
The **Authorization Code Flow + PKCE** is an OpenId Connect flow specifically designed to authenticate native or mobile application users.

Applications without the ability to store a client secret, such as native or single-page apps, employ this grant type  (SPA).

**Proof Key for Code Exchange, or PKCE** for short, is an abbreviation. Users are not required to submit a client secret in the PKCE route, which differs significantly from the conventional Authorization Code flow in this regard. Because embedded secrets are not required in source code, PKCE lowers security risks for native apps by limiting the potential for reverse engineering.  

### Why PKCE Authentication is Required? {#Why PKCE Authentication is Required?}   

Some additional security risks are raised when public clients (such as native and single-page programs) ask for access tokens that are not addressed by the Authorization Code Flow alone.  
This is because

#### **Native apps:**  
Cannot securely store a Client’s Secret. Decompiling the app will reveal the Client Secret, which is bound to the app and is the same for all users and devices.
May make use of a custom URL scheme to capture redirects (e.g., MyApp://) potentially allowing malicious applications to receive an Authorization Code from your Authorization Server.  

#### **Single-page apps:**  
Cannot securely store a Client Secret because their entire source is available to the browser.
OAuth 2.0 offers a variant of the Authorization Code Flow that uses a Proof Key for Code Exchange (PKCE) in light of these circumstances (defined in OAuth 2.0 RFC 7636).

The calling application creates a secret known as the Code Verifier that may be confirmed by the authorization server in the PKCE-enhanced Authorization Code Flow. In order to obtain an Authorization Code, the calling app also produces a transform value of the Code Verifier called the Code Challenge and delivers it over HTTPS. In this manner, a hostile attacker can only intercept the Authorization Code and cannot use the Code Verifier to swap it for a token.

### How does it work? {#How does it work?}
In place of the **client_secret**, the client app creates a unique string value, **code_verifier**, which it hashes and encodes as a **code_challenge**. When the client app initiates the first part of the Authorization Code flow, it sends a hashed **code_challenge**.  

Once the user authenticates and the authorization code is returned to the client app, it requests an **access_token** in exchange for the authorization code.  

In this step, the client app must include the original unique string value in the **code_verifier** parameter. If the codes match, the authentication is complete and an **access_token** is returned.


### PKCE Authentication Flow {#PKCE Authentication Flow}
The processes are quite similar to those of **Oauth** because the **PKCE-enhanced Authorization Code Flow** builds upon the conventional Authorization Code Flow.

![PKCE Authentication Flow](/blog/assets/2023/pkce-authentication-flow.webp)  

1. Within the application, the user selects **Login**.
2. The SDK for miniOrange constructs a cryptographically random code verifier and a code challenge from it.
3. The user is forwarded to the miniOrange Authorization Server (**/authorize endpoint**) via the miniOrange SDK along with the code challenge.
4. The user is forwarded to the login and authorization prompt by your **miniOrange Authorization Server**.
5. A consent page outlining the permissions miniOrange will provide to the application may be displayed after the user authenticates using one of the predefined login options.
6. As the user is redirected back to the application with an authorization code that is valid for one usage, your miniOrange Authorization Server records the code challenge.
7. This code is sent to the miniOrange Authorization Server (/oauth/token endpoint) via the miniOrange SDK together with the code verifier established in step 2.
8. The code challenge and code verifier are verified by your miniOrange Authorization Server.
9. A response from your miniOrange Authorization Server contains an access token and an ID token (and optionally, a refresh token).
10. The access token can be used by your application to contact an API and access user data.
11. The requested data is returned by the API.
 

### How to implement PKCE with miniOrange? {#How to implement PKCE with miniOrange?}
The easiest way to implement the Authorization Code Flow with PKCE is to follow our [Native Quickstarts](https://www.miniorange.com/integrations/). (These setup guides will help you with setup).  

&nbsp;  

Depending on your application type, you can also use our mobile or single-page app SDKs:  
[Download](https://miniorange.s3.amazonaws.com/public/plugins/idp/jwt-connector.zip%22) Mobile SDK’s.

&nbsp;  

&nbsp;  

#### **More Resources:**
- [What is OAuth? How does it work?](https://blog.miniorange.com/what-is-oauth-2/)
- [OAuth Server Service by miniOrange](https://www.miniorange.com/products/oauth2-server)
- [OAuth API Docs](https://developers.miniorange.com/docs/idp/api/oauth-api) 


 Learn how the Authorization Code flow with Proof Key for Code Exchange (PKCE) works and why you should use it for native and mobile apps.

Authorization Code Flow with Proof Key for Code Exchange (PKCE)


This month, we’re focusing on how Identity and Access Management (IAM) works and where it’s used. IAM is a critical part of cybersecurity, and it’s important to understand how it works and where it’s used in order to keep your online identity safe.

Identity and access management (IAM) is an emerging field that includes not only traditional role-based access models but also cloud-based, federated identity management. IAM also provides organizations with a secure and scalable foundation for managing their enterprise, on-premise, and/or cloud-based resources.

The idea behind IAM is that if you have multiple employees working on different projects at the same time, you don’t want them all having access to each other’s accounts. Instead, they should be assigned different accounts so they can’t accidentally share passwords or cause any damage by downloading files from each other’s computers. 

### How Identity and Access Management Works? {#How Identity and Access Management Works?}   

IAM is all about managing access to online resources. It’s used to authenticate and authorize users to access specific resources. IAM systems manage access to websites, applications, and data.  
There are many different types of IAM systems, but they all have one common goal: to protect your online identity by verifying it and making sure that you have the appropriate permissions to access the resources you’re trying to access.  

Some common features of IAM systems include:

- User account management: creating and managing user accounts, setting passwords, and managing user permissions
- Authentication: verifying the identity of users who are trying to access systems and data
- Authorization: granting or denying access to systems and data based on user permissions

### Where Identity and Access Management is Used? {#Where Identity and Access Management is Used?}

IAM systems are used in various industries, including healthcare, finance, government, and education. Each industry has its own unique requirements for IAM, but the overall goal is always the same to keep your online identity safe.  

The best way to protect your online identity is to use a strong IAM system. IAM systems are designed to keep your information safe and ensure that only the people with the appropriate permissions can access it.


### How can Single sign on and multi-factor authentication help you protect your online identity? {#How can Single sign on and multi-factor authentication help you protect your online identity?}

IAM systems can also help to improve the efficiency of an organization by reducing the need for multiple passwords and by providing a single sign-on solution for accessing multiple systems.  

IAM systems are an essential part of any organization’s security strategy, and they are critical for protecting data and ensuring that only authorized users have access to the resources they need.  

Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of safety to your accounts. With multi-factor authentication, you’re typically asked to provide a code that’s sent to your phone or email.
 

### Consider these few things if you're looking for an IAM system for your business {#Consider these few things if you're looking for an IAM system for your business}

- **You need to find an IAM system that meets your specific needs.**  
There are many different types of IAM systems, so it’s important to find one that’s right for your business.  

The most common types of IAM systems include Active Directory, IDP, Single sign-on, Multi-factor authentication, LDAP, and Kerberos. Each of these systems has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to understand what each one is good for before you choose which one to use.  

&nbsp;  

- **You need to make sure that your IAM system is properly implemented.**  
IAM systems are complex, and they need to be properly implemented in order to work properly.  

The key here is to make sure that all the users have access to the resources they need. A good practice is to create an account for each user and assign them a unique username and password. This way you can ensure that every user has their own account, which will allow them to access the data in any way they need.  

Another important thing is that all of these accounts must be protected by different passwords or keys, so no one can access another person’s data or resources without their knowledge. If you want to make it even more secure, you can use multi-factor authentication (MFA) where you will require two different passwords from each user.  

&nbsp;  

- **You need to make sure that your IAM system is always up to date.**  
IAM systems are constantly changing, and you need to make sure that your system is always up to date.  

The main disadvantage of not updating the IAM system is that it will not be able to provide the best security to your users. The reason for this is that the system is constantly changing, and if you don’t update, then your users will be at risk. Another reason why it’s important to keep your IAM system updated is that if you don’t update it, then hackers can hack into your system and gain access to all of your data. If this happens, then they will be able to steal passwords and other information from your users’ accounts.  

Another disadvantage of not updating your IAM system is that it can cause problems with user error. If a user forgets their password or doesn’t update their password when prompted by an automated email message, then this could result in someone breaking into their account and stealing their information.

&nbsp;  

miniOrange’s core identity product provides central and converts IAM solutions with bring together some of the most sorts after IAM features such as Single Sign-On (SSO), Multi-factor Authentication (MFA), Risk-Based Authentication, User Life Cycle Management which includes User Provisioning and De-Provisioning, Universal Directory and few more specific and segregated features to ensure that your entire Identity journey is a seamless handle from one central platform. We believe that security can be simple and with a high return on investment and we eliminate friction in the IAM journey of our users by complete end-to-end support for every single admin product interaction.  

IAM is a critical component of any cybersecurity program, and it’s important to understand how it works. IAM helps to prevent unauthorized access to resources, and it’s also important for compliance purposes.  

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is the perfect time to review your IAM strategy. If you’re not using SSO or MFA, now is the time to start. Contact miniOrange about how Single sign on and multi-factor authentication can help you protect your online identity.

&nbsp;  

#### **More Resources:**
- [Single Sign-On](https://www.miniorange.com/products/single-sign-on-sso)
- [Workforce Identity](https://www.miniorange.com/workforce-identity)
- [What is CIAM](https://blog.miniorange.com/what-is-ciam-customer-identity-and-access-management/) 


IAM is a critical part of cybersecurity, and Single Sign-On (SSO) & multi-factor authentication (MFA) can help you protect your online identity.

Do you have an IAM setup? Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Focuses on how and where IAM is used


## Enable Jira 2FA for Customers and skip for Employees

Every day, you read about data breaches and password leaks in the news. You might believe that this only happens to people who have outdated systems or poor security. What about you though? Cybercriminals can easily gain access to your organization’s confidential data using unprotected passwords used by your employees or customers.

But the battle isn’t lost.

[Single sign-on (SSO)](https://www.miniorange.com/single-sign-on-sso) and [Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)](https://blog.miniorange.com/what-is-multi-factor-authentication-mfa/) are industry-standard solutions for addressing these issues, and they can help to mitigate security threats. Hence, you must ensure that all of your users use strong passwords and two-step verification.

This article will walk you through how to secure the accounts of both your employees (Internal Users) and Jira Service Management customers (External users). We will configure SSO and 2FA for the employees and then enable Jira 2FA for customers. Let’s start step by step!

![Jira 2fa for customers](/blog/assets/2023/jira-2fa-for-employees.webp)

### How to Secure Your Customers? (2FA) {#how-to-secure-your-customers}

Your employees’ accounts are now safe because you enabled SSO and 2FA on IDP for them.

The challenge now is determining how to keep your customers (external users) secure.

This is where miniOrange two-factor authentication comes in handy. Using the [miniOrange Two Factor Authentication(2FA)](https://marketplace.atlassian.com/search?query=MINIORANGE%202FA) plugin, you can enable Jira 2FA for customers as well.

Concerned that enabling 2FA for Jira will require your employees to verify the 2FA twice(once on the IDP and then on the Jira again)? Don’t worry. The miniOrange plugin allows you to enable 2FA for a subset of users. As a result, you can enable Two Factor Authentication/2FA only for your customers on Jira, while all of your employees will continue to use Single Sign-On (SSO) and 2FA on your IDP.

![Jira 2fa for customers](/blog/assets/2023/jira-2fa-for-customers.webp)

### miniOrange 2FA Use Cases {#miniorange-2fa-use-cases}

The miniOrange Two Factor Authentication(2FA) add-on is highly flexible and can be configured to fit your requirements perfectly. It provides custom configuration options to manage 2FA for all sets of users like 2FA for customers, Two Factor Authentication for employees, admins, remote users, service desk agents, and more. Some of these combinations are listed below –

- 2FA for all the users (internal users and external users)
- 2FA for Jira only for a set of users or groups
- 2FA for all the users except some set of users.
- 2FA only for the service desk agents (Service Management) 
- 2FA for customers and SSO for employees (which is covered in this Article)
- 2FA for users accessing from outside company office (based on IP)
    - For example, skip 2FA if a user accesses Jira from within the Office campus and ask for 2FA/MFA verification if the same user accesses Jira from home.

Give it a try and start your evaluation today for Two Factor Authentication Add-on! This app is available for [Jira](https://marketplace.atlassian.com/apps/1221260/mo-two-factor-authentication-2fa-for-jira?hosting=datacenter&tab=overview), [Confluence](https://marketplace.atlassian.com/apps/1221328/mo-two-factor-authentication-2fa-for-confluence?hosting=datacenter&tab=overview), [Bitbucket](https://marketplace.atlassian.com/apps/1221920/mo-two-factor-authentication-2fa-for-bitbucket?hosting=datacenter&tab=overview), [Bamboo](https://marketplace.atlassian.com/apps/1222869/mo-two-factor-authentication-2fa-for-bamboo?hosting=server&tab=overview) and [Crowd](https://marketplace.atlassian.com/apps/1224960/mo-two-factor-authentication-2fa-for-crowd?hosting=server&tab=overview).

You can follow the step-by-step setup guide to configure Two Factor Authentication Add-on for [Jira](https://miniorange.com/atlassian/jira-two-factor-authentication-2fa), [Confluence](https://miniorange.com/atlassian/confluence-two-factor-authentication-2fa), [Bitbucket](https://miniorange.com/atlassian/bitbucket-two-factor-authentication-2fa), [Bamboo](https://miniorange.com/atlassian/bamboo-two-factor-authentication-2fa) and [Crowd](https://miniorange.com/atlassian/crowd-two-factor-authentication-2fa-mfa) applications.

In case you have any other use cases or have any queries, then please feel free to raise a ticket [here](https://miniorange.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/2).

Enable Jira Two Factor Authentication (2FA) for customers & skip for Employees. Secure internal & external users by configuring 2FA for Jira. Our add-on is highly flexible and can be configured to fit your requirements perfectly. It provides custom configuration options to manage 2FA for all sets of users like 2FA for customers, Two Factor Authentication for employees, admins, remote users, service desk agents, and more.

Enable Jira 2FA for Customers and skip for Employees


## How to secure Atlassian Cloud Applications ?

**“Arguing that you don’t care about the right to privacy because you have nothing to hide is no different than saying you don’t care about free speech because you have nothing to say.”**
**– Edward Snowden**

Atlassian’s announcement that it would be shutting down its server instances had a significant impact on the customers. Confusion grew among people as some chose Atlassian’s Data Center while others chose Atlassian Cloud. Both Data Center and Cloud have their own set of benefits and drawbacks. Given that Atlassian itself faced a cyber attack, one of the most common questions was, “Is Atlassian Cloud secure in terms of cyber threats?”..

Products made by Atlassian are high quality, very secure, and reliable. But as they say, there is always scope for improvement. This article will mainly focus on how we can make Atlassian Cloud applications more secure, avoid cyber-attacks, and ensure vulnerability management.

When we talk about securing an application for thousands of users, adding an extra layer of authentication on top of the basic authentication can prove to be extremely helpful in ensuring security. With 2 layers of authentication, hacking into any system becomes more difficult. Hence, there is an increase in demand for authentication methods such as Single Sign-On (SSO), Two Factor Authentication (2FA), and Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) in the last couple of years.

Atlassian provides an additional level of security by allowing users to Single Sign-On. Single Sign-On (SSO) and Two Factor Authentication (2FA) go hand in hand so it won’t be an issue for customers who are using the in-built SSO solution for Atlassian Cloud.

Let’s understand what Single Sign-On (SSO), Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) or Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) are and how they are used to secure Atlassian cloud applications.

### Single Sign-On (SSO) {#single-sign-on}

Single Sign-On (SSO) is an authentication process in which a user is authenticated against the Identity Provider which is connected to the Atlassian Applications. These users authenticate using XML assertion in SSO. This reduces security threats and protects user data.

Atlassian has an inbuilt connector for Single Sign On (SSO) which works well for SAML Identity Providers and it is highly recommended to solve complex use-cases like login with multiple IDPs and managing user permissions.

With the miniOrange Atlassian SAML/OAuth Single Sign-On (SSO) plug-in, you can perform seamless login into your Atlassian applications.

### Two Factor Authentication (2FA) {#two-factor-authentication}

Two-factor authentication (2FA), sometimes referred to as two-step verification, is a security process in which users provide two different authentication factors to verify themselves on top of the username and password authentication. This process is done to better protect both the user’s credentials and the resources the user wants to access, which in our case is the respective Atlassian Cloud.

### Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) {#multi-factor-authentication}

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is an authentication process in which a user has to provide multiple factors of authentications in order to gain access to Atlassian cloud. Rather than just asking for a username and password, Multi-Factor authentication adds additional verification factors such as OTP, push notifications and biometrics that help in adding an extra layer of security to your Atlassian application.

The above explanation was fairly technical so let’s understand this with the help of an example.

Let’s consider an example where you want to make an online transaction. You use credentials to protect your account from unauthorized access. While making a payment, you have to verify the credentials. This acts as the first line of defence. But there is still room for a hacker to gain access to your banking details compromising your security. So, another layer of authentication is added in the form of an ATM pin or OTP over SMS or email. This serves as the second security measure. Only after both steps does your payment go through.

Similarly, here your Atlassian applications like JIRA, confluence and Bitbucket contain confidential information associated with your account and your organization. This content can be protected using our plugins. Not only will our plugin add an extra layer of security, but it will also ensure that the usability and login experience of the users is not compromised upon.

Since the cloud community is still growing, applications that support 2FA over Atlassian cloud are very few. miniOrange can help in fulfilling the needs of Single Sign-On (SSO) as well as Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). The Two-Factor Authentication solution provided by miniOrange over Atlassian cloud contains many authentication methods such as OTP over SMS, OTP Over Email, Hardware Token, Authenticator token, and many more. Our Plug-ins have the capacity to manage a huge number of users. With miniOrange, external and internal users can be managed in one place. It can easily be integrated with external AD/LDAP directories or other Identity Providers (IDPs) without any hassle. Your Atlassian users can use the same credentials and Two-Factor Authentication to access multiple applications.

We have a Two Factor Authentication (2FA) solution for Atlassian Server and Data Center as well. Give a quick read to this [Article](https://community.atlassian.com/t5/Marketplace-Apps-Integrations/Best-way-to-Secure-Your-Atlassian-Data-Center-DC/ba-p/1687486#M4645).

For detailed information about our SSO and Two-Factor Authentication add-ons please refer to the [link](https://www.miniorange.com/atlassian). In case of any queries, please feel free to drop us a mail at [info@xecurify.com](mailto:info@xecurify.com)


Secure Atlassian cloud Apps like Jira & Confluence cloud using miniOrange SSO solution with additional security of Two-Factor Authentication(2FA /MFA)

Secure Atlassian Cloud with Single Sign-On (SSO) & 2FA/MFA


In the fast-paced world of e-commerce, staying connected with your customers is essential to ensure a successful online business. One of the most effective ways to keep your customers engaged and informed about their orders is through [SMS and WhatsApp notifications](https://plugins.miniorange.com/shopify-order-and-sms-notifications) on your Shopify store. These instant messaging platforms offer unparalleled convenience and immediacy, enabling you to deliver timely updates and promotions directly to your customers’ fingertips. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of utilizing SMS and WhatsApp notifications and how to implement them seamlessly into your Shopify store.

### The Power of SMS and WhatsApp Notifications {#The-Power-of-SMS-and-WhatsApp-Notifications}

**Real-Time Order Updates**

In the age of instant gratification, customers appreciate knowing the status of their orders in real-time. SMS and WhatsApp notifications allow you to send automated alerts at various stages of the order process, from confirmation and processing to shipping and delivery. This transparency builds trust and fosters a positive customer experience.

**High Open Rates**

Unlike emails that can get lost in crowded inboxes, SMS and WhatsApp notifications have significantly higher open rates. The chances of your message being seen and read are much higher, leading to increased customer engagement and quicker responses.

**Personalized Customer Communication**

SMS and WhatsApp notifications give you the opportunity to customize your messages, addressing customers by name and tailoring content based on their preferences. Personalization enhances the customer experience and helps you build lasting relationships.

**Reduced Cart Abandonment**

By sending timely reminders about abandoned shopping carts via SMS or WhatsApp, you can encourage customers to complete their purchases. These gentle nudges can make a significant impact on your conversion rates.

**Instant Promotions and Offers**

When you have time-sensitive promotions or flash sales, SMS and WhatsApp notifications are the ideal channels to get the word out quickly. This enables your customers to take advantage of exclusive deals before they expire.

### Implement SMS and WhatsApp Notifications on Your Shopify Store {#Implement-SMS-and-WhatsApp-Notifications-on-Your-Shopify-Store}

![sms-notifications-blog-channels-art](/blog/assets/2023/sms-notifications-blog-channels-art.webp)

Now that we understand the benefits of using SMS and WhatsApp notifications, let’s explore how to set up these features on your Shopify store:

**Choose a Trusted Messaging Service Provider**

Begin by selecting a reliable SMS and WhatsApp messaging service provider that integrates seamlessly with Shopify. Look for features such as automation, personalization, and analytics to make the most of your notifications.

**Obtain Customer Consent**

Before sending SMS and WhatsApp notifications, ensure that you have explicit consent from your customers. Add an opt-in checkbox during the checkout process, clearly explaining the purpose and frequency of the messages.

**Craft Clear and Concise Messages**

Keep your notifications brief and to the point. Include essential information such as order status, tracking links, and delivery dates. Avoid overwhelming your customers with excessive messages.

**Segment Your Audience**

Leverage customer data to segment your audience and send targeted messages. For example, you can tailor promotions based on purchase history or location to increase relevance.

**Monitor and Optimize Performance**

Regularly track the performance of your SMS and WhatsApp notifications. Analyze open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates to identify areas for improvement.

![sms-notifications-blog-flowart](/blog/assets/2023/sms-notifications-blog-flowart.webp)

### Conclusion {#Conclusion}

Integrating SMS and WhatsApp notifications into your Shopify store can be a game-changer for customer engagement and retention. The real-time updates, personalized communication, and high open rates create a positive and dynamic shopping experience for your customers. Remember to follow best practices, obtain consent, and continually optimize your messaging strategy to maximize the benefits. By harnessing the power of these instant messaging platforms, you can elevate your Shopify store to new heights of success in the competitive e-commerce landscape.


Implement SMS &amp; WhatsApp notifications on Shopify. Real-time updates, high open rates &amp; personalized engagement.

Implement SMS and WhatsApp Notifications on Your Shopify Store


Nowadays, when everything is becoming online, companies are also growing and connecting through the web each day and due to the increase of portable tasks, the applications rise on mobile phones, and cyberattacks become more frequent. As with great power comes great responsibilities, organizations can’t bear to jeopardise their security at any costs whether inside or outside the office.

That is where our **Integration with Infosysta** comes to the rescue. 

Yes, you heard it right!

**INFOSYSTA**, the developers of [Mobile for Jira](https://marketplace.atlassian.com/apps/1214475/mobile-for-jira?tab=overview&hosting=cloud) and [JSmobile](https://marketplace.atlassian.com/apps/1219125/jsmobile-service-management-portal?hosting=cloud&tab=overview) are now integrating with **miniOrange’s [Single Sign On (SAML) plugin](https://marketplace.atlassian.com/apps/1215430/mo-jira-saml-sso-jira-sso-jira-single-sign-on-sso-saml-login?hosting=datacenter&tab=overview) for JIRA** in their solutions for smartphones.

&nbsp;&nbsp; 

**Why is Mobile Security a necessity?**

Innovation in Mobile Technology has progressed significantly in a short span of time. In under 30 years we’ve moved away from enormous, block-like phones and the start of the web to a universe of super-thin and amazing cell phones and tablets that can send and store information, just by simple tap. 

While these gadgets offer us expanded web availability and everyday comfort, they additionally come along with significant security threats. Cyberattacks on cell phones have become common. Security is now questioned as so many of these applications gather enormous amounts of information. Simply, this is not even a percent of the effects of how dangerous it can be to have less to no security on mobile phones. Needless to say, mobile security is the need of the hour.

### What is SSO? And How does it Function? {#single-sign-on}  

Remembering various usernames and passwords can be a burden. In case you’re attempting to run a business, you have so many applications and softwares that you work upon, there’s a great deal of usernames and passwords you need to recall. It’s hard to remain coordinated with this load of information, which is the reason you may be seeing a lot of talk about SSO of late. Single Sign On(SSO) is a vital part of Identity and Access Management. It is a software tool that helps users to get into their applications without any complexity of remembering their usernames and passwords. Single sign-on is of great importance for organizations. It reduces the number of cyberattacks by reducing login to only one set of credentials.

### Advantages with SSO: {#advantages-with-sso}

**Builds client efficiency:** Be it an employee or a client, they require various applications each day. They need to recollect every one of the credentials to each application every time they need to get to it. This turns into a lumbering exercise. With single sign-on, the clients just need to login once. At the point when their character is verified they can access every one of the applications they are approved to use without monotonous login measures, saving a ton of time.

**Advances better security processes:** With clients recollecting just one bunch of credentials, they will have great security. Noticing down passwords on a paper, making a rundown on dominion, or utilizing similar passwords across all applications are generally extremely helpless password conventions. A cyber hacker could undoubtedly exploit this and slip their direction into your organization. With the single sign-on assistance, the clients just need to recall one credential and safely utilize each application.

**Ready for Intelligent security:** The Single sign-on integrating with applications itself prepares for brilliant security choices. They give your authoritative security, the edge to know consistently of any unknown access requirements. These pointers could be utilized to move forward the confirmation or suspend their access from the application inside and out.

![Single Sign On solving issues](/blog/assets/2023/single-sign-on-solving-security-issues.webp)

**Our Collaboration!**

Keeping all these points in mind, miniOrange developed Single Sign On to achieve significant security. Whereas, **Infosysta** is all set with their mobile applications; **Mobile for Jira and JSmobile** to help users for efficient work portability. 

**These now come together to give you an amazing experience. You can now have security with your applications on your mobile phones.** 

**Infosysta** has now integrated **miniOrange’s Single Sign On** their Mobile for Jira and JSmobile applications, which are easy to install, configure and use. With ease of moving from desktop to your mobile phone plus advanced security with SSO comes together to give you a supportive system. 

&nbsp;&nbsp;  

Reach out to us at **support-atlassian@miniorange.atlassian.net** or raise a support ticket by [clicking here.](https://miniorange.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/2)

Infosysta has integrated miniOrange’s Single Sign On their Mobile for Jira and JSmobile applications, which is easy to install, configure and use. With ease of moving from desktop to your mobile phone plus advanced security with SSO comes together to give you a supportive system.

Integration of Single Sign-On (SSO) with INFOSYSTA Mobile Apps


## SSO into Jenkins while managing users in Atlassian Crowd

From cell phones to tablets to watches, clients are depending more on the comfort of the versatile innovation of mobile phones because of its easy portability. 

Lately we have seen a huge expansion in the universality of cell phones among people across the globe. These gadgets empower people to introduce a huge collection of tools, known as “applications,” These applications are the quintessence of cell phones, improving their usefulness and upgrading their regular day to day usage. **The application markets permit clients to play out a fast pursuit with establishment of new applications, and yet, they are also a wellspring of various types of malware.** These days, cell phones are dependent upon a wide scope of safety challenges and malevolent dangers.

While adapting to the issue, the objective of this collaboration is to bring you a tad bit nearer to safety and security on mobile phones.

**INFOSYSTA**, the developers of [Mobile for Jira](https://marketplace.atlassian.com/apps/1214475/mobile-for-jira?tab=overview&hosting=cloud) and [JSmobile](https://marketplace.atlassian.com/apps/1219125/jsmobile-service-management-portal?hosting=cloud&tab=overview) are now integrating with **miniOrange’s [Two factor Authentication (2FA)](https://marketplace.atlassian.com/apps/1221260/mo-two-factor-authentication-2fa-for-jira?hosting=datacenter&tab=overview) for JIRA** in their solutions for smartphones.

### Why is Mobile Security a Necessity? {#why-is-mobile-security-a-necessity}

Below are the points why you actually need Mobile Security:
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; - Your private data is always protected: It safeguards your data whether it relates to personal, private or public life and ensures that it is under your control everytime. No one can access it without your authorization.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; - Your device is protected against malwares: It reduces the chances of viruses and malwares.

### What is 2FA? And How does it work? {#what-is-2fa-and-how-does-it-work}

As found in a lot of news stories about hacks and information leaks, an unprotected password can help cybercriminals access your ledger, charge cards, or gain information on individual sites. 

In any case, the fight isn’t lost. One approach to rapidly support the security of your online records is two-factor authentication — called 2FA — which adds an additional layer of safety to your information.

2FA is a subset of multi-factor authentication. The concept of 2FA is that you need more than just a username and password set to login into an application and if you don’t provide the key to both the factors, authentication fails.

This second factor could emerge out of one of the classifications:

- **Something you know:** This could be a personal identification number (PIN), a password, answers to “secret questions.”
- **Something you have:** Typically, a user would have something in their possession, like a credit card, a smartphone, or a small hardware token.
- **Something you are:** This category is a little more advanced, and might include a biometric pattern of a fingerprint, an iris scan, or a voice print.

It guarantees that regardless of whether your password is exposed to anybody, or on the other hand if it’s stolen through phishing, they will not have the option to get to your information without going through the subsequent factor.  

&nbsp;&nbsp;

**Let’s have a look at the benefits of 2FA:**

- Further developed security: By requiring a second layer of verification, 2FA reduces the chances of getting the data or access under attacks. Regardless of whether a fraudster has access to a password he will not have the subsequent component needed to validate.

- Increase of usefulness and adaptability: Enterprises are accepting 2FA as it adds to a higher level of security. With versatile 2FA methods(SMS/OTP/QR codes), workers can safely get to corporate applications, information, records, and administrative center frameworks from any device or area without putting the corporate organization and data in danger.

![Atlassian Crowd and Jenkins integration](/blog/assets/2023/two-factor-authentication-integration-with-infosysta.webp)

### Our Integration {#miniorange-integration}

Realising the threats of cyberattacks, miniOrange developed **Two factor Authentication** to give applications one additional layer of security over just a password. A security which can only be verified by the person who’s information like mobile number or security questions has been set up. In our add-on, there are multiple ways in which you can set up 2FA on mobile phones.

The methods are as follows:
- Mobile Authenticator
- Yubikey Hardware Token
- OTP over Email
- Security Question
- Backup Codes: As the name suggests this authentication method acts as a backup when the passcode/OTP of the primary method is lost.

And to add to that, **Infosysta** is all set with their mobile applications; **Mobile for Jira and JSmobile** to help users for efficient work portability. 

**Infosysta** has now integrated **miniOrange’s Two Factor Authentication** with their Mobile for Jira and JSmobile applications, which are easy to install, configure and use.

With ease of moving from PCs to your mobile phone plus advanced security with 2FA comes together to give you a supportive system. 

miniOrange provides improved security with 2FA for mobile apps such as Mobile for Jira and JSMobile in collaboration with Infosysta. Infosysta has now integrated miniOrange’s Two Factor Authentication with their Mobile for Jira and JSmobile applications, which are easy to install, configure and use. With ease of moving from PCs to your mobile phone plus advanced security with 2FA comes together to give you a supportive system. 

Integration of Two Factor Authentication (2FA) with INFOSYSTA Mobile Apps


In the current digital landscape, [Multi-factor authentication (MFA)](https://www.miniorange.com/products/multi-factor-authentication-mfa) is crucial as it safeguards sensitive information and data, because of its capability to strengthen security, prevent breaches, and counter phishing.  MFA ensures compliance, safeguards remote access, and prevents unauthorized entry. This proactive approach not only protects sensitive information but also offers long-term cost savings.

With ever-increasing cyber threats, relying only on passwords for protection is no longer sufficient. This is where Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) comes into play. MFA adds an additional layer of security by requiring users to provide multiple forms of verification before granting access. To help you implement MFA effectively, we've compiled a comprehensive MFA checklist that covers critical considerations and best practices.

### Elaboration on Key Points for Effective MFA Requirements {#elaboration-on-key-points-for-effective-mfa-requirements}

**1. User-friendly and comprehensive support:** 

Choose an MFA solution that offers both a user-friendly setup and comprehensive support. This combination of an easy setup process and robust user assistance reduces any issues encountered during implementation and empowers users to embrace the new security measure, integrating Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) seamlessly into daily operations.

**2. Application Integration:**

The MFA solution should seamlessly integrate with the applications and systems you use, it should seamlessly integrate with your existing infrastructure. That would ensure security enhancements without disrupting operations,  minimizing disruptions to workflows. The integration streamlines the user experience and helps to maintain their familiar workflows while benefiting from enhanced security measures.

**3. Offline MFA Methods:**

Explore MFA methods that work offline, ensuring access even when connectivity is limited. Offline-capable methods, like hardware tokens or biometrics stored on a device, ensure users can authenticate even in situations where an internet connection is not available.

**4. Integration with KPIs:**

Integrate MFA effectiveness with key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure its impact on security and user experience. By aligning MFA deployment with quantifiable metrics, you can evaluate its success in enhancing protection while maintaining a positive user journey.

**5. Authentication Methods:**

Explore the diverse set of authentication methods, such as - SMS, push notifications, biometrics, hardware tokens, and authenticator apps. Choose the method that aligns with user preferences and security requirements. This array of options enables users to select the most suitable authentication and accommodates a wide range of preferences while maintaining security standards.

**6. Flexible Authentication Policies:**

Tailored authentication policies to suit varying levels of sensitivity and risk. This is done by implementing different levels of MFA complexity, such as -  requiring stronger methods for high-risk actions. Security measures are aligned with the value and potential impact of the access.

**7. Reporting and Auditing:**

Select an MFA solution with a robust reporting system, offering insights into user behavior, failed login attempts, and potential threats for proactive responses. These reports provide a comprehensive overview of security events, enabling prompt actions to mitigate risks and address security vulnerabilities.

**8. Device Trust:**

When MFA solutions support device-based trust, it enables certain devices to bypass specific MFA methods based on the security structure of the organization. This approach strikes a balance between security and convenience. It enables trusted devices to undergo streamlined authentication while still upholding overall security standards.

**9. Application Integration and Standards:**

When developing an in-house application, ensure your chosen MFA solution provides strong APIs and developer support, allowing smooth integration. Additionally, prioritize MFA solutions that follow open standards like OAuth, ensuring compatibility and enhancing overall security.


MFA solutions that incorporate behavioral analytics to detect anomalies in user behavior, in turn, enhance security by identifying potentially compromised accounts. This proactive approach helps to prevent unauthorized access by recognizing patterns that deviate from established user behavior norms.

### Conclusion {#conclusion}

Overall, Following the above checklist will enable you to implement MFA effectively, significantly enhancing your organization's digital security posture. Hence, the miniOrange Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) solution is an essential tool in your cybersecurity toolkit. 

Protecting sensitive information and maintaining user trust has never been more crucial, and MFA is a step in the right direction. Stay ahead of cyber threats by embracing MFA and securing your digital assets, to experience the benefits firsthand, we invite you to schedule a demo or take advantage of our 30-day Free Trial [Link](https://www.miniorange.com/iam/free-trial).

Our round-the-clock 24x7 global assistance ensures you're never alone in your journey toward enhanced security. What's more, all of this comes at a competitive price point, making miniOrange the ultimate destination to achieve the utmost comfort and security in the market.





Our Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) checklist covers how to ensure your MFA solution meets your company security needs. 

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Checklist- Enhancing Your Digital Security


### Q1. What is the miniOrange Oracle EBS SSO & MFA Solution? {# Q1}

**A.** miniOrange has a comprehensive SSO & MFA Solution for the world’s favorite ERP Software – Oracle E-Business Suite. Using miniOrange’s Single Sign-On and Multi Factor-Authentication, you can implement a high quality Identity and Access Management strategy for all your legacy applications.  

miniOrange’s Oracle EBS SSO & MFA Solution connects to your Oracle E-Business Suite instance and establishes trust with your existing identity source such as Microsoft Active Directory, Azure AD, Microsoft ADFS, Oracle DB, Okta or miniOrange IDP. Having this seamless configuration in place, your users can easily access their Oracle E-Business Suite accounts without having to enter their credentials, as miniOrange picks the relevant attributes from their existing Identity Provider session, to authenticate against the FND_USER table in your Oracle EBS Database.


### Q2.What are the different deployment options for this solution? {# Q2}

**A.** miniOrange’s Oracle EBS SSO & MFA Solution is available in two different deployment methods:

1. Cloud-Hybrid Model
2. On-Premise Model
3. Both of these deployment options include the complete suite of miniOrange’s features. The following table summarizes a few key offerings :

|Sr. No	| Cloud-Hybrid Model | On-Premise Model |
|-------|--------------------|------------------|
|1      | Supports miniOrange’s effortless “Pay-as-you-go” licensing method. | Supports miniOrange’s Yearly as well as Perpetual licensing methods.|
|2      | Lightweight connector installation, cloud is entirely managed by miniOrange. | Compliance friendly On-premises installation, zero cloud components involved.|
|3      | miniOrange’s Cloud is Load Balanced by default. | High Availability Setup is Supported free of charge.|
|4      | Supports Seamless Sign-On using miniOrange’s Integrated Windows Authentication module. | Supports Seamless Sign-On using miniOrange’s Integrated Windows Authentication module.|
|5      | Can be extended to support any number of Oracle/other applications. | Can be extended to support any number of Oracle/other applications.|
 

All-in-all, both deployment models come with their own set of convincing advantages. Contact us at idpsupport@xecurify.com to help you choose the right deployment model for your organization.  

### Q3. What does the solution architecture look like for both these deployment options? {# Q3}

**A.** miniOrange’s Oracle EBS SSO & MFA Solution can either be directly installed on the Apps Tier of your Oracle EBS instance, or on its own separate server with miniOrange’s Identity Server. Here’s an architecture diagram for both our deployment options –

#### **1. miniOrange Oracle EBS SSO & MFA – Cloud Hybrid Architecture 1**

![miniOrange Oracle EBS SSO Cloud Hybrid Architecture 1](/blog/assets/2023/cloud-hybrid-architecture-1.webp)  

#### **2. miniOrange Oracle EBS SSO & MFA – Cloud Hybrid Architecture 2**

![miniOrange Oracle EBS SSO Cloud Hybrid Architecture 2](/blog/assets/2023/cloud-hybrid-architecture-2.webp)  

#### **3. miniOrange Oracle EBS SSO & MFA – On-Premise Architecture**

![miniOrange Oracle EBS SSO On-premise Architecture](/blog/assets/2023/on-premise-architecture.webp)  

**Setup steps for miniOrange’s Oracle EBS SSO & MFA Solution : [Link](https://www.miniorange.com/oracle-ebs-single-sign-on-(sso))**

### Q4. Why should I choose miniOrange’s solution for Oracle EBS? {# Q4}

**A.** miniOrange has been recognized as an Oracle Partner under Oracle’s Global Modernized Oracle Partner Network (OPN) program. You can view our partner status in real time [here](https://partner-finder.oracle.com/catalog/Partner/SCPP-KMJAKXYX#profile-solutions).

miniOrange has also been recognized as a Microsoft Partner under the Microsoft Marketplace Partner program. This professional relationship with Oracle and Microsoft makes miniOrange one of the most sought SSO & MFA products, especially for SSO and MFA into Oracle Applications having users stored in Microsoft Active Directory or Azure Active Directory. This seamless integration on both ends makes miniOrange the undisputed market leader.

Oracle has also shown recognition for miniOrange by accepting the miniOrange Oracle EBS SSO & MFA Solution on their Cloud Marketplace. You can view this solution by visiting Oracle’s Cloud Marketplace [here](https://cloudmarketplace.oracle.com/marketplace/en_US/listing/111839538). 

miniOrange is the only Oracle EBS SSO Solution that has ever been accepted on Oracle Cloud Marketplace.

 

### Q5. What will my end user authentication flow look like? {# Q5}

**A.** Here is the end user authentication flow for SSO into Oracle Applications –

- Users will navigate to their bookmarked Oracle application URL (or a custom URL for the authentication method, depending on the application).
- The Oracle application will check if the user is authenticated (or not).
- If the user is authenticated, they will be granted access to the application. If not, they will be redirected to the login screen for your enterprise Identity Management solution; this will be handled by the miniOrange Oracle EBS SSO & MFA Solution, which communicates with your IdP (Identity Provider) via SAML/OpenID Connect/other SSO protocols.
- Users will enter their credentials at the Identity Provider login screen; the credentials for authentication can be decided by you, depending on which authentication system you’re using (Microsoft Active Directory, Azure AD, ADFS, any other Identity Provider, a third-party application/database like Oracle DB).
- Once they’ve been authenticated, the user will be redirected to the resource that they were initially trying to access.
- Once a user has already authenticated with your Identity Provider for one Oracle application, they won’t need to enter their credentials again for accessing another Oracle application, or any other application which can pick up the existing session of the user in the chosen identity source.###

&nbsp;  

&nbsp;

#### **More Resources:**  

1. [miniOrange’s Complete Suite of Oracle Solutions](https://www.miniorange.com/integrations/oracle-single-sign-on-sso)
2. [Steps to setup SSO into Oracle EBS](https://www.miniorange.com/oracle-ebs-single-sign-on-(sso))
3. [Oracle EBS – miniOrange – Azure AD SSO Blog](https://blog.miniorange.com/oracle-ebs-sso-integration-with-azure-ad/)

Setup SSO into Oracle EBS using miniOrange’s Oracle EBS SSO solution using any Identity Provider of your choice.

Cloud Hybrid & On-Premise Deployment Options for miniOrange’s Oracle EBS SSO & MFA Solution


### Introduction {#introduction}

In an era where cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, traditional methods of authentication have become increasingly vulnerable. Passwords, once considered a stronghold of security, are now often the weakest link in the chain. That's where Passwordless [Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)](https://www.miniorange.com/products/multi-factor-authentication-mfa) steps in as a game-changer. In this blog, we will explore the concept of Passwordless MFA, its advantages, how it works, common methods, implementation, and the overarching benefits it offers in terms of secure login solutions.


### Passwordless MFA and Its Benefits {#passwordless-mfa-and-its-benefits}

Passwordless MFA is a cutting-edge approach to user authentication that eliminates the need for conventional passwords and enhances security through a combination of multiple factors. Here are some key benefits:

**1. Enhanced Security:**

Passwords have long been susceptible to breaches through techniques like phishing, brute force attacks, and credential stuffing. Passwordless MFA replaces this vulnerable element with robust authentication factors like  OTP over SMS, TOTP tokens, OTP over Email, hardware tokens etc. This shift vastly improves security, making it exceedingly difficult for unauthorized individuals to gain access.

**2. User Convenience:**

Traditional password systems burden users with the challenge of creating and remembering complex strings of characters. Passwordless MFA enables users to effortlessly authenticate themselves using authenticator apps, soft tokens, push notifications, or QR codes. This translates to a more user-friendly experience, reducing the frustration associated with forgotten passwords and frequent resets.

**3. Reduced Friction:**

Passwordless MFA streamlines the authentication process. Users no longer need to type in lengthy passwords take the hassle of remembering their passwords or keep updating them in fixed intervals.
With the simple login link or password key, users gain rapid access to their accounts or systems. This reduction in friction not only saves time but also contributes to a more efficient and productive user experience.

**4. Enhanced Phishing Protection:**

Passwordless MFA significantly bolsters defenses against phishing attacks. Even if a user's password is compromised, it becomes useless without the additional authentication factor. Attackers find it exceedingly challenging to replicate biometric data or gain access to a user's trusted device, adding an extra layer of protection against fraudulent login attempts.

**5. Adaptive Security:**

Some Passwordless MFA systems incorporate adaptive security measures. These systems continuously assess the user's behavior and risk factors to adjust security protocols accordingly. For example, if an unusual login attempt is detected, the system may prompt for additional authentication factors to ensure the legitimacy of the user.

**6. Compliance and Regulatory Alignment:**

Many industries and regions have stringent data security and privacy regulations. Passwordless MFA aligns with these requirements, making it easier for organizations to maintain compliance. By adopting strong authentication methods, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding sensitive data, which is critical in today's regulatory landscape.

### How Passwordless MFA Works {#how-passwordless-mfa-works}

Passwordless MFA typically involves two or more of the following authentication factors:

- **Something You Have**: This could be a device, smart card, or token.
- **Something You Are**: This encompasses biometric data such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or retinal scans.
- **Something You Know**: While the goal is to eliminate passwords, some methods may still include a PIN or passphrase as an additional layer of security.

The combination of these factors ensures that only authorized individuals gain access.


### Common Passwordless MFA Methods {#common-passwordless-mfa-methods}

miniOrange implements several Passwordless MFA:

**1. SMS Authentication (MFA) and Phone Authentication Methods**

Get an SMS on your mobile device containing the information required to validate yourself for the second factor. This method is not only convenient but also enhances security, as it ensures that you have access to your registered mobile phone during the login process.

**2. Multi-Factor Authentication Google and Microsoft Authenticator Method**

With this approach, you can leverage external authentication apps such as Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator to receive a Time-based OTP Token (TOTP) for secure login. These apps generate unique, time-sensitive codes, adding an extra layer of security to your login process.

**3. Multi-Factor Authentication miniOrange Authenticator**

miniOrange offers its own authenticator, providing versatility in how you receive your login information. You can obtain a soft token, receive a push notification, or scan a QR code, giving you options that cater to your preferences and security needs.

**4. Multi-Factor Authentication Email Verification Methods**

The email Verification method allows you to receive your login information, including login links and password keys, directly from your registered email address. This method ensures that only individuals with access to the associated email account can complete the login process, adding an extra layer of security and convenience.

**5. MFA Methods Hardware Token Verification**

For those seeking physical security, miniOrange provides Hardware Token Verification. You can insert a physical USB token into your computer, which generates the required information needed to gain access. This method is highly secure and immune to online attacks, making it an excellent choice for organizations prioritizing physical security.

**6. Multi-Factor Authentication Security Questions Method**

The Security Questions method offers a knowledge-based approach to authentication. You answer a set of security questions that are unique to you, ensuring that only you can authenticate yourself. This method adds an additional layer of security by verifying your identity through personal information that is difficult for others to access or guess.

These MFA methods by miniOrange provide a comprehensive range of options, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your security requirements and preferences. Whether you prefer the convenience of mobile authentication, the security of hardware tokens, or the familiarity of security questions, miniOrange has you covered with robust and versatile authentication solutions.

###  Implementing Passwordless MFA {#implementing-passwordless-mfa}

Implementing Passwordless MFA involves the following steps:

- Assessment: Evaluate your organization's security needs and choose the most suitable method(s) for your environment.
- Deployment: Integrate the chosen authentication method(s) into your systems and applications.
- User Enrollment: Ensure that users are enrolled in the Passwordless MFA system and understand how to use it.
- Monitoring and Maintenance: Regularly monitor the system for security breaches and update the technology as needed.

Compliance: Many regulatory standards, such as GDPR and HIPAA, encourage or require strong authentication methods, making Passwordless MFA a valuable compliance tool.


### Conclusion {#conclusion}

Passwordless Multi-Factor Authentication represents a significant step forward in securing digital identities and sensitive data. By leveraging a combination of factors like biometrics and trusted devices, Passwordless MFA enhances security while simplifying the user experience. Organizations that prioritize cybersecurity and user convenience should consider implementing Passwordless MFA as part of their overall security strategy. Embracing this technology can lead to safer, more efficient, and cost-effective authentication processes in today's digital landscape

**About miniorange**

miniOrange offers passwordless [multiple authentication mechanisms](https://www.miniorange.com/two-factor-authentication-(2fa)), such as one-time passcodes sent via SMS and email, Push Notification, Biometrics, and others, which are supported by passwordless security.
The end-user experience should be the primary consideration when choosing a dedicated authentication factor. If your users utilize mobile devices on a regular basis, techniques like OTP over SMS or Link Based Authentication, will be handier.
If your users, on the other hand, use corporate applications with on-premise support, email is the ideal option. The most preferred is OTP over SMS, it is considered to be the best passwordless way to adopt because it will provide end-users with a predictable and consistent approach to traditional authentication.

### FAQs {#faqs}

- **Why you should go passwordless?** :-
Opting for passwordless authentication entirely eliminates password-related security issues. When there are no passwords the threat of weak or stolen credentials is no more a matter of concern. 
- **Is passwordless authentication safe?** :-
Passwordless authentication is the most efficient way of eliminating weak password management practices and thus also removing any kind of credential theft attacks. and so instead of manually entering passwords an alternate way of identity verification is used such as hardware tokens, fingerprints, and face or retina scans. 
- **What is the strongest authentication method?** :-
One of the most unique and strongest authentication methods is biometric authentication. since this is based on unique biological traits of a person such as a retina scan, fingerprints, etc. This is considered the safest authentication method. 
- **Why is passwordless authentication better?** :-
Passwordless authentication can effectively suppress data and identity theft issues because of unauthorized access caused due to stolen or weak login credentials. 
- **MFA vs Passwordless Authentication** :-
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) utilizes more than one authentication factor to verify the identity of a user. There can be a range of factors, such as a PIN, password, retina scan, face recognition, fingerprint, or any smart device. Simply put multi-factor authentication utilizes multiple authentication factors to verify a user, before granting them access to applications and resources. 
*Passwordless Authentication:*
In Passwordless authentication, a user’s identity is verified by the system without asking them to log in through the password. Here, passwords are simply replaced with other suitable authentication methods. In this there can be either single-factor passwordless authentication or passwordless MFA. 


Passwordless MFA basically replaces passwords with a more suitable authentication factor, it uses more than one authentication factor to verify a users identity. 

Passwordless MFA and Secure Login Solutions


Virtual Private Network allows you to connect one or more computers to a private network most of the time via the internet. It allows you to surf safely on a public wifi network, and also helps prevent Man-In-The-Middle attacks. Even though this approach is not new, in recent years this has become more relevant mainly due to the new trends in the way companies work & more people want a greater level of online privacy.

VPN tunneling ensures secure communication between systems. As the connection is encrypted, no one along the VPN tunnel can intercept, monitor, or alter your communications.

 
### What is a secure VPN? {#what-is-a-secure-vpn}

A **secure VPN**offers several advantages, particularly for those who respect their online privacy and wish to limit their digital exposure. Whether utilized by mainstream enterprises or cyber-criminal activities, a secure VPN connection does not compromise on the crucial criteria that keep invasive use of technology at bay. The increase in Virtual Private Network service providers reflects the market’s explosive growth. With online transactions and a virtual lifestyle becoming more common these days, a reliable VPN service is an important part of our digital era.

Secure VPN can **hide your IP address** and **encrypt your browsing history**, and it’s increasingly being used to avoid government surveillance. In some scenarios, VPNs may not be enough to keep you safe.

A secure VPN connection must employ the strongest encryption quality possible to be really safe. It must have a variety of security methods to secure your data’s confidentiality. These protocols ensure that unauthorized parties cannot get access to the connection and that the data you send and receive is secure. If you’re considering several secure VPNs, be sure the one you pick protects you against IP address leaks. It’s also a good indicator if it features an **Internet kill-switch**, which stops specific apps immediately if your connection goes down. This automatic function can help you avoid data leaks that could expose sensitive information.

**Furthermore, if the VPN app of your choice offers two-factor authentication, then you may have found a winner.**

### Benefits of a Secure VPN and why do you need one? {#benefits-of-a-secure-vpn-and-why-do-you-need-one}

Using a Virtual Private Network has multiple benefits, and this is why everyone should use one. Here are a few of the most important ones:

**1. Security:**
Because a secure VPN encrypts your connection, your data flow is protected even if the network you connect to has insufficient security. A secure VPN disables harmful websites, malware, trackers, and adverts, so you won’t infect your device even if you take a wrong turn online.

**2. Privacy:**
When you browse the internet, you leave a trail of your device type, location, IP address, and browsing history. You can restore your privacy with the aid of a private VPN. It encrypts your internet connection so that no one can listen in on the websites you view or the information you share. It also masks your IP address and location, making it impossible for snoopers to find you.

**3. Prevent ISP tracking:**
Your internet service provider (ISP) monitors your online behavior and may share this information with advertising, government agencies, and other third parties without your knowledge or agreement. They do this for a variety of reasons, not all of which are malicious, but it is still an invasion of privacy.

ISP tracking may be blocked using a secure VPN connection, preventing them from accessing your passwords, social media data, or physical location.

**4. Working remotely:**
If you work in any type of corporate office, you will almost certainly be required to connect to an internal or local area network (LAN). When a large number of individuals, whose jobs allow it, are working from home. A secure virtual private network allows you to connect to the workplace network and work remotely. You have access to any private material that would normally be available exclusively in the office. While traveling to and from your house, the data is encrypted.

**5. Avoid Data Throttling:**
When you’ve used up all of your allotted data and your internet service provider (ISP) decides to slow down your connection, this is known as data throttling. If you use a secure VPN, you’ll quickly discover that one of the benefits of a virtual network is the ability to evade data caps, especially since neither your ISP can see how much data you use. This might be especially beneficial for employees who must utilize data plans on their mobile devices to access the internet while on the road.

**6. Preventing pricing discrimination:**
Price discrimination is the practice of charging varying prices for the same goods or service depending on your location, how you regularly use and purchase on the platform, and your online purchasing habits. Offline, price discrimination has long existed, but automated algorithms now allow for dynamic pricing online as well. A secure VPN can protect you from being duped and being charged more because of your internet surfing and shopping habits, as well as assumptions about your socioeconomic standing based on your IP address.

### What are its vulnerabilities? {#what-are-its-vulnerabilities}

It is said that no software is immune to vulnerabilities. Ordinarily when you connect to any website from your computer then that website can see your IP address but when you are using a virtual private server, your data is not directly sent to the website you are visiting instead your IP address is first sent to one of the VPN servers. So the website you are visiting does not see your IP address, they see the IP address of the VPN server. It means no one sees your IP address, not your internet service provider, the government, or hackers so you become untraceable. No one can trace back to you. In short, the whole idea of achieving the web security of you and your organization using a VPN is keeping your IP address hidden.

Though this was not good news such vulnerabilities occur every time in the cyber world. What’s important is how we identify and tackle such things.

**Some VPN providers embrace your data**

While it is also important that VPN provider should maintain full transparency because it is found that some VPN providers also hold onto your data. Most of the VPN providers claim that they do not maintain a log of your online session neither they maintain the logs for your IP addresses or servers used, websites visited or files downloaded but “no log” claim differ from one VPN provider to another.

**There’s malware detected in certain VPN mobile apps**

One study also found that some VPN mobile apps do have malware in it. This study was conducted by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization and they found that 38% of VPN android apps were infected by some type of malware.
Also, some mobile apps requested access to sensitive personal data such as account details and messaging.

**Cloud VPN is more vulnerable**

Today cloud technologies have given a huge amount of collaboration and convenience to the organizations but it has also brought security challenges for them. While using Cloud VPN solutions companies exposes themselves and due to this, any hacker can gain access to their private data.

**Credentials phishing**

Credentials phishing is one rapidly growing attack in the cyber world, where a hacker steals credentials such as userID and password. Hacker displays himself as an authority and by the means of email or any communication channel he gets to know your credentials. If a hacker gets the credentials he can use it to get the sensitive info out.

### How Multi-factor Authentication helps to secure VPN? {#how-multi-factor-authentication-helps-to-secure-vpn}

Multi-factor authentication validates user identity with passwords and an additional layer of security (e.g. OTP over SMS/Email). That is why it is called multi-factor authentication. This provides greater identity assurance for a user who is accessing any resource via VPN. So with multi-factor enabled on your system, it prevents the hacker from accessing the resources even if they know your username and password. As you have an additional layer of authentication, a hacker has to pass that layer which is not possible. However, we need to understand that not all MFA are the same and provide greater assurance of security. Many MFA solutions are slow or complicated and therefore inefficient.

miniOrange can be of great value here by providing [Two-Factor Authentication](https://www.miniorange.com/products/two-factor-authentication-(2fa)) on top of VPN security. This secures the access to protected resources instead of relying on only the VPN username/password.

miniOrange uses the [Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS)](https://www.miniorange.com/blog/radius-server-authentication/) protocol. Communication between the client and RADIUS server is authenticated and a shared secret is used, which is never sent over the network.

![Radius Server Authentication Flow](/blog/assets/2023/radius-server-flow.webp)

Here the RADIUS client is nothing but the VPN. If you take a look at the steps then you can get an idea of how Two-Factor authentication is used with a VPN.

- The user enters the login credentials to the VPN.
- RADIUS Clients send the login details to the miniOrange RADIUS server.
- User details are checked with Active Directory.
- When the AD finds the user it sends the response to the miniOrange RADIUS server. First-factor authentication is completed here.
- A challenge response is sent to RADIUS clients for second Factor Authentication.
- RADIUS client prompts the user with a 2FA challenge. (e.g.OTP over SMS/Email).
- When the user validates himself with 2FA. The authentication response is sent to the miniOrange RADIUS server.
- After checking the response, the RADIUS server grants access to the user.


This way miniOrange ensures that no unauthorized person gets access to the VPN. miniOrange acts as a RADIUS server that takes the username/password from the user and validates it with Active Directory (AD). After checking with the AD it prompts the user for Two-Factor authentication. If the user successfully completes the 2FA then the server grants the access.

### Conclusion {#conclusion}

These days organizations have become fully aware of the use of Multi-Factor Authentication for an extra layer of security along with VPN. Unauthorized access to your VPN is likely to cause more harm to the business. Multi-factor authentication plays a key role in securing your network, data & resources.

miniOrange has succeeded in dealing with Identity and access management problems and we ensure you have safe and secure access to your resources. Our 2-FA authentication adds a 2nd layer of security when you are gaining access to protected resources through a Virtual Private Network.

### Further Reading {#further-reading}

- [Multi-Factor Authentication](https://blog.miniorange.com/what-is-multi-factor-authentication-mfa/)
- [VPN Security](https://blog.miniorange.com/vpn-security-how-2fa-helps-to-secure-your-vpn/)
- [2FA solution for VPN](https://www.miniorange.com/iam/solutions/vpn-mfa-multi-factor-authentication)

A secure VPN offers several advantages for those who want online privacy and wish to limit their digital exposure. miniOrange can provide MFA on top of VPN for more security.

Secure VPN with Multi-Factor Authentication


## SSO into Jenkins while managing users in Atlassian Crowd

![Atlassian Crowd and Jenkins integration](/blog/assets/2023/atlassian-crowd-and-jenkins-integration.webp)

Jenkins manages and controls software delivery processes throughout the entire lifecycle, including build, document, test, package, stage, deployment, static code analysis, and much more. To make Jenkins application access easier and provide better security we have an [SSO module](https://plugins.miniorange.com/jenkins-saml-single-sign-on-sso) that can be integrated with Jenkins easily and deployed on Jenkins platforms with some of the most important features like **Just-In-Time User & Group Provisioning**, **Auto Redirect to IdP**, **Signing & Encryption**, **Custom User Attribute Mapping**, **Single Logout**, **Manual Group & Role Mapping** and many more. 

Atlassian Crowd is a powerful tool that enables users to create sessions for multiple Atlassian products like Jira, Confluence, Bitbucket. The Crowd is a centralised identity for access management application that manages the users from various directories like Active Directory, LDAP, Open LDAP, Microsoft Azure Active Directory for connected applications. These capabilities can now be applied to Jenkins as Crowd connector for Jenkins.

Now, enterprises are looking to delegate user authentication for the applications from Crowd to central IAM (Identity & Access Management) applications for better security. But Crowd is still required to manage users and permissions. This use-case is possible with the help of connectors we have developed for these Atlassian applications like [Jira](https://marketplace.atlassian.com/apps/1220053/mo-sso-connector-for-crowd-and-jira?hosting=datacenter&tab=overview), [Confluence](https://marketplace.atlassian.com/apps/1220055/mo-sso-connector-for-crowd-and-confluence?hosting=datacenter&tab=overview), and [Bitbucket](https://marketplace.atlassian.com/apps/1220057/mo-sso-connector-for-crowd-and-bitbucket?hosting=datacenter&tab=overview). Jenkins, however, is a non-Atlassian application, thus integrating this flow with Jenkins is difficult. 

![Atlassian apps and Jenkins integration](/blog/assets/2023/atlassian-apps-and-jenkins-integration.webp)

### How does the miniOrange plugin handle this use case? {#miniorage-plugin-solution}

miniOrange haS developed a [Jenkins Crowd SSO Connector](https://miniorange.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/2) capable of creating user sessions by reading the Crowd session. Like any other Atlassian application like Jira, Confluence and Bitbucket, you can manage groups and permissions from the Crowd. You can authenticate to the Crowd via SAML SSO using the [Crowd SAML SSO](https://marketplace.atlassian.com/apps/1218304) plugin. With the help of Jenkins Crowd SSO connector, you can invoke SSO from Jenkins itself. You do not need to login into Crowd explicitly.

### How does it work? {#how-does-it-work}

Crowd SAML SSO Plugin acts as a SAML Service Provider and is used to enable trust between Jenkins and the central IAM applications. Crowd SAML SSO plugin takes care of the SAML Request, SAML response, and user session management at the Crowd end. Once the Crowd session is created, Jenkins reads this session and the user is logged in to Jenkins. Users can invoke SSO from Jenkins itself.

Here, IAM will perform the user authentication. The crowd will be used to manage users and their groups (permissions) for all the connected applications.

Also, with this flow, end-users will experience a seamless login and won’t notice that the SSO request and response passes through the Crowd Server.

**Let’s understand the Workflow!**

1. The user tries to access the Jenkins application.
2. For authentication, the users would get forwarded to the IAM application’s login page.
    1. The Jenkins Crowd SSO Connector will redirect users to the Crowd SAML plugin.
    2. The Crowd SAML plugin will forward the user to the IAM application for authentication.
3. Once the authentication is successful, the user will be redirected back to the Jenkins application and logged in.
    1. IAM sends a response back to the Crowd SAML plugin.
    2. Crowd SAML plugin validates the user creating the user session, and redirects the user to the respective application form where the SSO was invoked.
    3. Users will be granted access to Jenkins based on their groups and applications configured on Crowd.

![Atlassian apps and Jenkins integration](/blog/assets/2023/jenkins-crowd-connector-workflow.webp)

### What are the Key Benefits? {#what-are-key-benefits}

1. There is only one set of SAML configurations for all the Atlassian & Non-Atlassian applications.
2. User authentication moved to central IAM without losing any of the existing user permissions.
3. Users will be able to access all the connected applications using their IAM credentials.
4. This method makes it simple to add an extra security layer, such as MFA, on top of the SSO, which was not available while utilizing Crowd for SSO.

What do you think of this solution? Do you think this would be helpful in centralizing authentication for your users? Drop us a mail at [info@xecurify.com](mailto:info@xecurify.com) or [raise a ticket here](https://miniorange.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/2) to talk to us.

miniOrange Jenkins Crowd SSO Connector is capable of creating user sessions by reading the Crowd session.

SSO into Jenkins while managing users in Atlassian Crowd


With the news that ‘RSA Access Manager’ (and previously known as ClearTrust), would reach end-of-life (EOL) status in June 2021, RSA Access Manager customers are looking to migrate to another Identity and Access Management (IAM) platform.

Migrations are most successful when handled with the best methods and planned approach. miniOrange is taking all these issues like cost, MFA methods & **providing support to all organizations for easy and free migration from RSA Access Manager**. miniOrange Identity platform ensures that organizations benefit from the use of its solution by ensuring their RSA tokens can coexist with their miniOrange Identity Platform deployment until all users are fully migrated.

### miniOrange IAM with advanced Data Model {#miniorange-iam-with-advanced-data-model}

miniOrange provides a solution to the migration path for RSA customers providing with smooth workflow process and a good user interface. Authentication is the most crucial and identity security solution to avoid much brute force, phishing attacks, credentials stuffing and secure access to the data for all workspace and customer authorizations.

miniOrange **[Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)](https://www.miniorange.com/products/two-factor-authentication-(2fa))** helps you in authenticating users by verifying two different factors and ensuring the right set of authentication to your sensitive information and protect user identities on both cloud and on-premise.

With the increase of security risks across global organizations miniOrange updated the features with 15+ authentication methods includes a soft token, Hard tokens, Google, Microsoft, and miniOrange authenticators with various population integrations with OpenVPN, Fortnite, Windows, Sharepoint, Office 365, and many more. 

In this era of Telecommuting, the MFA method of authentication features allows employees to safely access data from any device or location without putting sensitive data at risk. Having a second form of identification greatly decreases the chance of a hacker gaining access to corporate devices or other sensitive information. It makes less suspicious activity helps in managing cost on security than the other security factors to be considered.

### What if Secure tokens are theft or Lost! {#what-if -secure-tokens-are-theft-or-lost}

MFA is a driven process in current security practices compared to adaptive MFA.  MFA follows a set design and has certain rules to be followed, concerning versatile validation, the end-client is a necessary part of the security cycle.

[Adaptive MFA](https://www.miniorange.com/products/adaptive-multi-factor-authentication-mfa) is a technique that MFA  can be built and exploited in a way that the system will choose the validating multiple verifications based on a user’s profile which is considered as part of a boarding process for authentication, alternatively of applying risk assessment during the authentication process.

miniOrange knowledgeable adaptive authentication Identity provider system supports many broad set of modern mechanisms like Device Profile management, Geo-Location recognition, IP Network Context-based and more which therefore reducing the prospect of account blocking for your employees more than just the use of OTP tokens like RSA Secure ID, Symantec VIP.

miniOrange IAM, the best access manager rights to the corporate IT systems and Platforms. Moving behind user name and passwords miniOrange provides these types of authentications based on clients, devices, and locations, and a set of updated factors to verify any user.

Adding new apps and clients is simple, offering quick and ideal opportunities on migrating from the existing cloud and on-premise MFA outcomes. With seamless single sign-on and identity governance the board, miniOrange makes it simple to make sure about clients, devices, and applications.

### RSA Access Manager vs miniOrange {#rsa-access-manager-vs-miniorange}

| Features                     | RSA Access Manager                                 | miniOrange                                     |
|------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|
| Infrastructure               | Hardware, Software Infra                           | Enterprise Level                              |
| Support                      | Reliability & Support Issues                       | 24*7 Active Support                            |
| Update/Upgrades              | EOL Announced                                     | Continuously Update/Upgrades, Future Proof    |
| Price                        | Costly                                            | Best in the Market                            |
| Cloud Environment             | No viable cloud strategy                          | Robust & best user experience                 |
| MFA Methods – Hardware Token | Through RSA tokens with per token cost            | 15+ MFA methods                               |


### Further Reading {#further-reading}

- [What is Multifactor Authentication (MFA)?](https://blog.miniorange.com/what-is-multi-factor-authentication-mfa/)
- [Two Factor Authentication – 2FA](https://www.miniorange.com/products/two-factor-authentication-(2fa))
- [Adaptive Multifactor Authentication](https://www.miniorange.com/products/adaptive-multi-factor-authentication-mfa)

Migrating from RSA’s Access Manager? Get easy and free support for your organizations to tackle issues like cost, MFA methods, etc.

Migrating from RSA Access Manager to miniOrange Identity Platform


miniOrange provides the best [OTP Login & Verification Solution](https://plugins.miniorange.com/login-with-otp-into-shopify) for Shopify Plus & Non-Plus Stores. Easily login & register your users using OTP sent over their phone/email, this will keep away spammers or bots from your store and only allow genuine users to access your store. Also, you can prevent fake orders by verifying OTP before the user checks out.

### What is OTP and why is it important for your Shopify store? {#what-is-otp-and-why-it-is-important}

OTP stands for One-Time Password. Users don’t need to remember their credentials to log in if your Shopify store is equipped with a passwordless login method. This boosts your overall user retention rate, since many customers are lost if they fail to remember their credentials or if they aren’t willing to fill up the entire signup (registration) form. According to statistics, more than 50% of people fail to remember their login credentials and reset their passwords more than 5 times in a month’s duration on various platforms. Hence, to avoid this it is better to have a passwordless login solution like OTP Login for your Shopify store.

Most merchants complain about fewer sales in their stores. Generally, the reason for fewer sales is a non-feasible password-based login solution being used on your Shopify store. Since it is difficult to remember passwords, most of the customers look for an alternative solution (other platforms where they are already signed in) to purchase the product they are looking for. Logging in with an OTP only requires the user to enter their phone number or email address and then enter the OTP they have received on their phone. Authenticating a user with an OTP is a feasible solution and always recommended in regards to software security.

### Login with OTP verification over Email {#login-with-otp-verification}

Some people are too conscious about sharing their phone numbers online, as they are concerned about marketing campaigns flooding their message inbox. Hence, it is better to have an alternative to this solution. We provide OTP verification via email i.e. sending the OTP to the customer’s email address. With the flexibility of sending OTPs on both phone numbers and emails, a user is bound to sign up and stay with your platform. A secure platform always shows a certain level of trust between the platform and its customers.

### Check out why OTP Verification should be a necessity for your Shopify store {#why-otp-is-necessity}
With our ‘Login with OTP’ application, prompt users to verify their phone number using an OTP sent to their phone number or email address before onboarding them. We provide OTP verification on the registration page of the Shopify store. This ensures that only genuine users using unique phone numbers or email addresses are able to register to your Shopify store. This will prevent your Shopify store from bots/spammers and non-genuine users trying to create multiple fake accounts. You can store the phone number of your customers in the phone field of their profile instead of storing it in any other field.

Apart from basic OTP verification, authenticate your user again using a Multi-Factor Authenticator. We provide a variety of authentication options: OTP over apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, OTP over Email, SMS, Hardware Token and Push Notification on your phone. This helps you authenticate the user using a method that is unique only to them, and makes sure that the user itself is logging in and not someone else.

### Are you tired of spammers creating fake orders on your Shopify store? {#tired-of-fake-orders}

We provide OTP verification on the Checkout Page (Cart Page) of Shopify which ensures only verified users can place orders. It is necessary to verify if the user is genuine before accepting an order from them. It will help you to track your inventory more accurately. If bots are spamming your Shopify store with fake orders, it will affect your SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) of an item. When a genuine user tries to make a purchase, it might get lost due to the unavailability of the product caused by fake orders created by the spammer. As a result, OTP verification on the checkout page will help in preventing fake orders made by fraudsters or bots. If you want to make sure that the person making a purchase is genuine, you can add another authentication method on top of it, making it a Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) or a Multi-Factor Authentication system.

### Are you looking to authenticate users before they make any changes to their user profile? Are you looking to authenticate users before making any special requests on your Shopify store? {#autneticate-users-before-making-any-request-to-shopify-store}
Our ‘Login with OTP’ application blends with any Shopify theme including Online Store 2.0 themes to add OTP verification on any Shopify page. Hence, a user’s request can be authenticated before they make any vital changes to their account. OTP verification can be prompted before accessing a specific page or content in your Shopify store. This will require the user to authenticate before accessing restricted content or making any changes to their profile on your Shopify page.

It is necessary to add Two-Factor Authentication on top of OTP Verification to ensure that the user is genuine. This will also act as another form of verification required from their side before they can make any changes to their profile.

### Are your customers using the same account to purchase products from your store? Are you tired of users sharing their accounts which causes your business to incur heavy losses? {#are-your-customers-using-same-account}

We provide a feature of session management that ensures that only one device is actively logged in at a time. It also enables you to verify the session of the user on any specific page of your store to confirm that the account is being used only by the account owner’s device. This prevents users from sharing their accounts with multiple users. Using a Multi-Factor Authentication system, it is easy to stop users from sharing their accounts with others, since the authentication methods are specific to the owner’s account.

![Shopify-Login-Page](/blog/assets/2023/otp-blog-image-otp-idea.webp)

### Are you convinced of getting the OTP Login solution for your store? {#getting-an-otp-login-solutions}
We have our own SMS Gateway which perfectly blends with our Login with OTP application. Also, you can use your custom SMS gateway for sending OTPs as we support more than 20 SMS Gateway providers.

### Pricing concerns {#pricing-concerns}
We have very affordable plans available for Shopify Plus & Non-Plus Stores as well. Our monthly plans start from as low as $25/month. Start with Login with OTP and secure your Shopify store today and prevent your store from malicious activities.

### Summary {#summery}
1. OTP Login is a must to secure your Shopify store from various threats which might also affect your business.
2. It is better to verify a user while they are signing up on your Shopify store. OTP Verification on the account registering page is a must to protect your store from spammers.
3. It is necessary to verify a user (using OTP verification) before they place an order on your store to prevent spamming of fake orders and to avoid inaccuracies in measuring your inventory.
4. Account sharing should be prevented to stop incurring heavy losses in your business if you are hosting paid subscription services on your store.
5. It is important to have a feasible login solution like OTP Login to retain more users and to avail them with the ease of login and sign up.
6. OTP Login solution starts at a very cheap price of $25. Considering the benefits it provides, the cost is highly justifiable.

### Further Reading {#further-reading}
1. [Install the Shopify OTP Login Application](https://apps.shopify.com/2-factor-authentication-and-passwordless-login)
2. [Checkout Login with OTP](https://plugins.miniorange.com/login-with-otp-into-shopify)
3. [Know more about Two-Factor Authentication](https://blog.miniorange.com/2fa-security/)
4. [Checkout other solutions provided by miniOrange](http://miniorange.com/)

OTP Login will prevent fake orders & spammers by verifying users with OTP sent on their phone/email at user registration & before checkout on Shopify Store.

The Best OTP Login & Verification solution for Shopify


Sensitive data in a company's infrastructure, if left vulnerable by securing with just traditional usernames and passwords, is prone to cyber attacks. This calls for the need for a more secure method of authentication. What if you have many methods to choose from in order to make it more challenging for a user to login to their accounts? This is where multiple authentication methods from multi-factor authentication (MFA) come into play.

In this article, we will learn about MFA, its working, authentication methods, use cases, benefits, miniOrange MFA, and future trends.


### What is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) in Cybersecurity? {#what-is-mfa}

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a security method requiring multiple credentials to verify a user's identity. It enhances security, protects against cyber threats, aids regulatory compliance, and can be user-friendly.  

  
MFA adds an extra authentication layer to access resources, requiring users to authenticate with two or more factors beyond usernames and passwords. These factors can include OTP over SMS/email, push notifications, or Google/Microsoft authenticator.  



### Why Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)? {#why-use-mfa}

Users often make it easier for hackers by choosing weak passwords, reusing passwords across multiple applications, storing them insecurely, and not updating them regularly. These practices may help users remember their credentials but also make it easier for hackers to gain access.  

  

The 2019 Data Breach Investigations Report found that 81% of account breaches were due to leaked or weak passwords (e.g., "password," "admin").  

- 92% of organizations have credentials for sale on the Dark Web.
- 81% of data breaches are the result of weak or stolen passwords.
- 90% of passwords can be cracked in less than six hours.

These factors underscore the importance of using Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). By combining your username and password with MFA, your access becomes more secure.  

In our work with various organizations, we've seen the devastating impact of security breaches caused by weak authentication methods. For example, a major healthcare provider we consulted suffered a significant data breach due to compromised passwords, resulting in millions of dollars in damages and loss of patient trust. Implementing MFA could have prevented this incident.


### How Does MFA Work? {#how-does-mfa-work}

Drawing from our experience in implementing MFA systems for Fortune 500 companies, we can attest to the effectiveness of this layered approach. For example, when a user attempts to access a protected resource:  

1. They enter their username and password (first factor).
2. The system then prompts for a second factor, such as a fingerprint scan or a one-time code sent to their smartphone.
3. Only after successfully providing both factors is access granted.  


As the user attempts to gain access to a specific resource, they are prompted with multiple authentication factors instead of only one. The user credentials are then verified by a core identity provider (IdP) or directory services platform, and the user gains access to the requested resource. Most MFA systems use a one-time passcode (OTP) for each login attempt. miniOrange offers 15+ MFA methods, which we will cover later in this blog.  

 

### Multi-Factor Authentication Methods {#mfa-methods}

Multi-Factor Authentication takes the help of these factors to authenticate a particular individual.    

1. **Knowledge factor** is something that a user remembers, like "first password," "first school name," "a pin," etc.
2. **Possession factor** is something the user has, such as a mobile device, smartphone app, or security token to approve authentication requests.
3. **Inherence factor**, mainly referred to as a biometric factor, is something different in the user's physical self. These could also be personal attributes like fingerprint, retina, or voice.
4. **Location factor** usually denotes the location from which an authentication attempt is being made. Location-based MFA methods can limit user access when a user breaks out from the given location.
5. **The time factor** restricts user authentication to a specific time panel in which logging on is granted and restricts access to the system outside of that window. In simpler terms, we called it time-based OTP (TOTP). Mobile apps like Microsoft Authenticator, Google Authenticator, and miniOrange Authenticator provide a key code that's time-dependent up to limited seconds.  

In our work with financial institutions, we've found that a combination of possession and inherence factors provides the highest level of security.


### Multi-Factor Authentication vs. Two-Factor Authentication {#mfa-vs-2fa}
  

|Aspect   |  MFA  |  2FA  |
|---------|-------|-------|
|Definition| An authentication method that requires two or more factors of authentication. | An authentication method that requires exactly two factors of authentication. |
| Subset | MFA is a broader term that includes 2FA as a subset. | 2FA is a specific type of MFA that uses exactly two factors. |
| Security | MFA is considered to be more secure because it uses multiple layers of authentication. |2FA can still be vulnerable if one of the factors is compromised. However, it’s still a highly secure protocol. |
| Ease of Use | MFA might be more complex to implement and use due to the involvement of more than two factors. | [2FA](https://www.miniorange.com/products/two-factor-authentication-(2fa)) is often easier to implement and use as it involves only two factors. |
| Examples | Entering a password (something you know), verifying a code sent to your smartphone (something you have), and scanning your fingerprint (something you are). | Entering a password and then confirming your identity through a code sent to your mobile phone.|  

  


### Authentication Challenges for the User in Multi-factor Authentication {#authentication-challenges-for-user-in-mfa}

Users who have to remember multiple passwords will find it difficult to use MFA if they add security features. MFA aims to simplify MFA for users. These are some main approaches to simplifying MFA.  

**[Adaptive MFA](https://www.miniorange.com/products/adaptive-multi-factor-authentication-mfa)**

This applies business rules and policies to user-based elements such as location or device. A corporate VPN may know that a user can sign in from their home, seeing their location and assessing the risk of misuse or compromise. An employee accessing the VPN through a coffee shop can trigger the system, and you will be required to enter MFA credentials.  

  
**Push Notification**

This method allows the security system to issue a third, single-use ID code to the user's smartphone. To access a secure system, users can enter their user ID or password. A security system will then issue a third single-use code to their mobile devices. To gain access, users must enter the code into the system. Push authentication makes MFA easier by giving users the third code. This eliminates the need for them to remember it.  


### Multi-Factor Authentication Use Cases {#mfa-usecases}


**MFA over VPN**

A global organization with a distributed workforce implements [multi-factor Authentication (MFA) over its VPN](https://www.miniorange.com/iam/solutions/vpn-mfa-multi-factor-authentication) to enhance security.This implementation not only strengthens security but also improves operational efficiency and regulatory compliance. It's a robust solution for securing remote network access, making it a worthwhile investment for companies looking to enhance their VPN security.  

miniOrange MFA over VPN is a robust solution for securing remote network access. It supports a range of VPNs, including Cisco, Palo Alto, Fortinet, SonicWall, and OpenVPN, making it a worthwhile investment for companies looking to enhance their VPN security.  

&nbsp;  

**MFA for Windows**

Implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for Windows enhances security for logon and [Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)]sessions. The process involves configuring the RADIUS client/server in miniOrange, setting up the Windows VPN client, and enabling 2FA for end users, with options like Google Authenticator.  

The Windows MFA solution integrates with Active Directory/LDAP for identity management and offers customizable MFA policies based on roles, groups, or applications. It supports device-based and cross-domain MFA, allowing logins for accounts on any trusted domain or local Windows accounts. Offline MFA ensures security even when disconnected from the internet using soft tokens, authenticator apps, and backup codes.  

&nbsp;  


**MFA for Web Apps**

Our MFA can be enabled for any of your [web apps](https://faq.miniorange.com/knowledgebase/how-to-enable-2fa-mfa-for-a-particular-app/) anywhere on the internet to ensure a secure and efficient way of accessing your critical resources. miniOrange offers MFA for a wide range of web applications running on cloud, on-premise servers, or in hybrid environments.

Enhances MFA security across cloud (SAAS), on-premises, and in-house apps, supporting protocols like SAML, Radius, OpenID, and JWT. Integrate MFA seamlessly with in-house web apps.  

&nbsp; 


**MFA for Network Devices**  

Implement MFA security for firewalls, switches, routers, and other [network devices](https://www.miniorange.com/iam/solutions/secure-network-devices)with the miniOrange MFA solution that extends beyond VPNs and fortifies your entire corporate network.  

Leverage Radius & TACACS protocols with miniOrange to encrypt switches and routers based on your network's hardware capabilities and add Multi-Factor Authentication to enhance the security posture. Bonus point is that miniOrange MFA is deployed without requiring any external proxy.  

&nbsp;  

**MFA for Office 365**

Microsoft provides MFA only via their default application with limited MFA methods, and you cannot configure any additional MFA authentication method. In some cases, you need to spend an enormous amount for licensing and user differentiation, and if you need to activate or deactivate for the particular user you have. However, with miniOrange [MFA for Office 365](https://www.miniorange.com/two-factor-authentication-(2fa)-for-office-365) it is possible to add more MFA methods.  

miniOrange MFA integration for Microsoft Applications allows you to use [Yubikey](https://www.miniorange.in/iam/content-library/admin-docs/configure-multi-factor-authentication#:~:text=a%202FA%20method.-,YubiKey%20Hardware%20Token,-%22YubiKey%20hardware%20Token) (or the other method from 15+ available MFA methods) as the multi-factor to login into your Office 365 or any of your Microsoft Applications.  



### Benefits of MFA {#benefits-of-mfa}
Implementing MFA isn't just about security—it's a strategic move that safeguards your company's most valuable digital assets. Beyond thwarting cyber threats, MFA demonstrates a commitment to data integrity that can bolster client trust and give you a competitive edge as we enter a security-conscious market.  

1. **Compliance**: [Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)](https://www.miniorange.com/products/multi-factor-authentication-mfa) helps organizations meet regulatory requirements and industry standards. By implementing MFA, companies can ensure they are compliant with data protection laws and regulations, reducing the risk of legal penalties, meeting the requirements for cybersecurity insurance, and enhancing their reputation.
2. **Enhanced Security**: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) decreases the probability that an attacker can mimic a user and may gain access to the system. miniOrange MFA solution allows users to log in using username and OTP, thus preventing the necessity to enter the password.
3. **More Productivity and Flexibility**: Organizations are accepting mobility because it helps in increasing productivity. Employees can securely login and access corporate applications and resources from virtually any device and from any location, without putting the corporate network at risk.
4. **Reduced Operating Costs**: Implementing MFA reduces the probability of data breaches, resulting in reduced investment.  

In a recent case study involving a mid-sized technology firm, our implementation of MFA resulted in:  

- 99.9% reduction in account compromise incidents
- 30% decrease in IT support calls related to account lockouts
- $500,000 annual savings in potential breach-related costs  

These results underscore the tangible benefits of MFA in real-world scenarios.


### miniOrange MFA Solutions {#miniorange-mfa-solutions}

#### **Key Features of [miniOrange MFA Solutions](https://www.miniorange.com/iam/solutions/multi-factor-authentication-mfa-solutions):**  

#### **Zero Trust Authentication**
The Zero Trust approach within 2FA helps to create an effective environment, policies, and infrastructure to minimize data breaches.

#### **Support for Cloud and On-premise**
Flexible deployment options, like on-premise and cloud. Seamlessly integrates into your organization's existing environment.

#### **Offline Authentication**
Allow users to log in even if there is no internet available by using offline 2FA methods such as soft tokens and security questions.

#### **Passwordless Authentication**
2FA login for users using just username and OTP/TOTP, thus preventing the need to enter password.

#### **Role-based 2FA**
Admin can enable or disable 2FA for a specific user role and for any particular application.

#### **User Self Enrollment**
It offers inline registration of users, so you'll simply activate and setup 2FA, and you're ready.

#### **Custom SMS/EMAIL Gateway & Templates**
Templates for SMS and email that are sent to users containing OTPs for authentication are also completely customizable.

#### **Reporting and Auditing**
Stay informed on all user logins. Get complete reports on all user activities in a single dashboard: session management, user monitoring, user login audit, user & admin activity reports, etc.



### Future Ready: MFA Trends to Mitigate Automated Cyberattacks {#future-ready}

The more the data, the more is the need to protect it. This implies that cybersecurity is a journey, not a destination. And at the heart of this journey is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). It's evolving, becoming smarter and more intuitive. Imagine logging in with just your fingerprint, facial recognition, or even your typing speed!  

But it's not just about convenience. MFA is a powerful shield against cyber threats. In fact, it blocks 99.9% of automated attacks. That's why, whether you're a start-up or a big corporation, MFA is a must-have for your security toolkit.  

And when it comes to MFA, miniOrange is your trusted companion. We're here to guide you through the increasing threats in cybersecurity, ensuring your digital identity is always protected. With miniOrange, you're not just safe; you're future-ready. [Connect with us](https://www.miniorange.com/products/multi-factor-authentication-mfa#request-demo) for your MFA-related queries and use cases today.  

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### Further Reading {#further-reading} 

- [What is Adaptive Authentication in IAM?](https://www.miniorange.com/products/adaptive-multi-factor-authentication-mfa)
- [What are the benefits of Passwordless Authentication?](https://www.miniorange.com/iam/solutions/passwordless-authentication)
- [Drupal Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)](https://plugins.miniorange.com/drupal-two-factor-authentication-2fa)
- [Securing VPN with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)](https://www.miniorange.com/iam/solutions/vpn-mfa-multi-factor-authentication)

Explore multi-factor authentication (MFA) methods, their concept, and their use cases. Learn about miniOrange multi-factor authentication.

What is Multi-factor Authentication for Improved Identity Security?


**Out Of Band Authentication (OOBA)** is a type of two-factor authentication (2FA) that demands a secondary verification method delivered over a different communication channel (call or text) in addition to the typical user ID and password. The possibility of compromising the transaction/account decreases by splitting the process into two channels, employing both the user’s internet and mobile wireless connection. An attacker is unlikely to be able to compromise both channels in the short amount of time required for an online transaction to take place.

Financial firms and other companies with high-security requirements employ out-of-band (OOB) authentication to prevent unwanted access. OOBA improves cybersecurity by making it more difficult to hack an account because it requires two different and unrelated authentication channels to be compromised at the same time for an attacker to get access.

### How Does Out-of-Band Authentication (OOBA) Work? {# How Does Out-of-Band Authentication (OOBA) Work?}

The channel used to authenticate a customer in an out-of-band authentication (OOBA) system is completely independent of the channel used by the customer to log in or make a transaction. Out-of-band authentication, as opposed to multi-factor authentication, is a sort of 2FA (something you know, like a password, and something you have, like your mobile device).  

Let’s imagine a customer wishes to do a banking transaction on their computer. They use their username and password to access the online banking system. The system then sends a one-time password (OTP) to their mobile device by text message or push notification. The user’s internet and wireless network are both involved in this scenario.  

Malicious actors may have access to compromised credentials and use a laptop to make a transaction, but they rarely have access to the user’s smartphone to obtain the one-time password required for authorization unless additional means like call forwarding, cloning, phone theft, or other ways are used. The transaction cannot be completed without the OTP. Other Out-of-Band Authentication techniques, such as a fingerprint scan or QR code, could be used instead of an OTP by the company.

![Out Of Band Authentication Working](/blog/assets/2023/how-ooba-works.webp)  

### How is OOBA more beneficial than other authentication methods? {#How is OOBA more beneficial than other authentication methods?}

Using [Two-factor authentication (2FA)](https://www.miniorange.com/products/two-factor-authentication-(2fa)) for Out-of-Band Authentication may appear to be a hassle to you; as you have to go through an extra step to log on to your accounts and access resources. Traditional authentication does not work in this fast-paced digital environment when cyber criminals are seeking critical consumer data. You might be leaving yourself open to thieves who want to steal your data and personal information if you don’t use 2FA Security.  

Out-of-band authentication is critical in [identity and access management](https://blog.miniorange.com/what-is-iam-identity-and-access-management-system/) because it significantly minimizes the risk of a “man-in-the-middle” attack. Hackers can intercept data transferring channels by taking over the communication channel between the sender and the recipient in an MITM attack.  

In access management, using two different channels to authenticate lowers the risk of MITM attacks and keeps the transmitted information safe.

### Key benefits of using Out Of Band Authentication (OOBA) {#Key benefits of using Out Of Band Authentication (OOBA)}

#### **Fraud Prevention**
Before allowing you to proceed, [Multi-Factor Authentication](https://www.miniorange.com/products/multi-factor-authentication-mfa) confirms that you are who you say you are. It adds another degree of protection to your website, preventing unwanted access. 

#### **Improved Customer Trust**
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security to your business and your customers’ accounts. It safeguards customer information against identity theft.  

#### **Enhanced Security**
MFA reduces the likelihood that an attacker will be able to impersonate a user and obtain access to the system. The miniOrange MFA solution allows users to log in using only their Username and OTP, eliminating the need for a password.  

#### **Adaptability for different use cases**
When dealing with sensitive data, more caution is necessary. The adaptive MFA evaluates risk based on factors including geo location, IP address, and time since the previous login.  

&nbsp;  

As a result, out-of-band authentication (OOBA) is utilized to secure your devices, accounts, and data from security breaches, phishing, and brute-force password attempts. Knowing the password alone isn’t enough for cyber attackers to pass the security check if you’ve set 2FA protection.  


### How can miniOrange help you? {#How can miniOrange help you?}

miniOrange Authentication Service verifies that you are who you claim to be before letting you move forward. We ensure that however varied your user base may be, we have the right authentication method for each one of them.  

&nbsp;  

**OOBA**: OTP/Link over SMS/EmailOTP over text/call using SMS/Email: miniOrange offers OTP via SMS/Email via the default gateway, which users can access. The templates for sending OTP to your users by SMS and email are entirely customizable as well.  

&nbsp;  

**Link over SMS/Email**: When this option is enabled, you will receive an SMS/email containing an Accept Link and a Deny Link at the moment of verification. If you click the Accept button, your transaction will be completed; otherwise, it will not.  

&nbsp;  

**OOBA Push NotificationPush notifications**: When the push notification mechanism is enabled, you will receive a push notification from miniOrange on your Authenticator App, which you either accept or deny. You can successfully finish the second-factor challenge after clicking Accept.  

&nbsp;  

**Authenticator apps**: Receive a time-based OTP token (TOTP) by an external authenticator app such as Google/Microsoft authenticator for secure login.  

&nbsp;  

**Hardware Token**: Use of a physical USB token in your computer, which generates the required information to gain access.  

&nbsp;  

For any firm or organization trying to increase security, using multiple authentication methods is a clear choice. It secures client information and protects against security breaches. It benefits everyone: customers are less likely to have their data stolen, and organizations are less likely to suffer a significant data breach.  

&nbsp;  

&nbsp;  

#### **Further Reading:**
1. [Multi-Factor Authentication](https://blog.miniorange.com/what-is-multi-factor-authentication-mfa/)
2. [The necessity of Banking Cybersecurity](https://blog.miniorange.com/necessity-of-banking-cybersecurity/)
3. [What is Risk-Based Authentication?](https://blog.miniorange.com/what-is-risk-based-authentication/)

Out Of Band Authentication (OOBA) is a type of 2FA that uses a secondary verification method delivered over a different communication channel.

What is Out-Of-Band Authentication (OOBA)?


According to Security Magazine, the typical business user oversees 191 passwords for work-related purposes and dozens more for personal ones. Up to 5 million passwords may be used by staff members of a company with 25,000 employees. Given the prevalence of passwords, password vulnerabilities are a major contributor to security breaches that result from cyber-attacks.  
Passwords that are too simple, easily figurable, used on multiple systems, and not frequently enough present hazards. Avoiding using the same password across many systems is one of the finest security measures. The majority of experts are familiar with this principle. However, 61 percent of typical corporate users acknowledge using the same password across the board.  
Employees waste a lot of time inputting passwords, which is another issue with this password bloat. Eliminating the need for multiple passwords is one approach to the password management issue. It is feasible to use a centralized authentication technique provided by a “web-based single sign-on” (Web SSO) system in place of using a collection of passwords to access various online services.


### What is Web SSO? {# What is Web SSO?}
Web SSO is a technique for managing browser-based sessions that keeps the user logged in across all of your applications by using sessionStorage, localStorage, and cookies. On-demand authentication is provided by a centralized domain, which also shares the session with authorized applications. Therefore, regardless of the platform or domain, the user is utilizing, once a customer logs in to any one application, they can instantly log into another.


### How does web single sign-on work? {# How does web single sign-on work?}
A trust connection between online systems and websites is necessary for a web single sign-on system. When a user accesses an online service or a website that requires a password, web SSO systems follow these steps for authentication:  

**Verify Sign-In:** Checking to determine if the user is already logged into the central authentication system is the first step. Access is immediately given if the user is logged in. If not, the user is told to sign in.  

**User Sign-In:** The user must first sign into the authentication system with a special username and password before beginning any session. The session token used by the authentication system is valid until the user logs out.  

**Confirmation of Authentication:** Following the completion of the authentication procedure, the authentication data is sent to the web service or website requesting user verification.


### Web App SSO: Is It Still In Use? {# Web App SSO: Is It Still In Use?}
The market is moving away from providing this as a more conventional point solution in conjunction with a separate directory service, even if the web application SSO is still widely used across many enterprises.  

Alternatively, the interest and adoption of broader, more comprehensive identity and access management (IAM) platforms are expanding, with the web app SSO as a major component.
Among many other features that allow IT more control over identities and access, a comprehensive IAM platform has extensive single sign-on capabilities.  

Organizations no longer need to worry about adding a web application SSO solution on top of their own directory/IdP because all essential IAM functionalities are available in a single platform.  

The transition away from web app SSO point solutions is happening for a few reasons:

- An interest in vendor consolidation.
- A desire to avoid hidden costs.
- A widespread need for improved identity and access management.
 
 
### Common Web App SSO Use Cases {# Common Web App SSO Use Cases}
There are a variety of use cases that drive web app SSO adoption:

1. Small organizations that use a variety of web applications.
2. Mid-market and enterprise-sized organizations that implemented web app SSO back when it was more relevant as a standalone solution within the IT environment.
3. Organizations with Active Directory (AD) in place already.
4. Organizations trying to adopt an IAM strategy.
5. Organizations that are unaware of the modern cloud-based replacement for AD and web app SSO that is a far more seamless, cost-effective, and integrated platform.
 

### Password vaulting vs. Web SSO {# Password vaulting vs. Web SSO}
A secured vault containing several passwords for various online services is different from a web SSO. By using a single username and password, password vaulting secures numerous passwords. However, each time a user visits a new online service this necessitates a signing into the service. There must still be a sign-in process even if the form fields are automatically filled out using information from the password vault. Once a person has been authenticated via Web SSO, they are no longer required to sign in to any web services that make use of that authentication method. This is called a “sign in once/use all” authentication approach.
 

### Why Web SSO Is Necessary for Your Business {# Why Web SSO Is Necessary for Your Business}
By securely collecting a plethora of customer data and credentials in one location for usage by your services, teams, and applications, single sign-on immediately helps your organization. Customers will view you negatively as they attempt to use your apps and services if you don’t use SSO. The numerous advantages that single sign-on offers your company, on the other hand, make product managers who implement an SSO solution stand out:

1. **Boosts IT staff members’ productivity**  
In general, a single point of access reduces the number of time users must spend resolving password-related problems and concerns. Single sign-on allows you to:  

**Reduce support calls:** Users who only need one password to access all of their apps won’t need it as frequently.  

**Enhancing the consumer experience:** Customers minimize the time between 10 and 15 seconds on each sign-in since there is no need to go between numerous login URLs or change passwords.  

**Reduce security risks:** Employees can use SSO capabilities to log in with a single set of credentials on any device and in any web browser without jeopardizing security.  

As we can see, one of the most important advantages of single Sign-On is the capacity to improve consumer productivity.

2. **Strengthened security capabilities**  
There are certain myths surrounding the deployment of the SSO solution, such as the idea that it reduces security because if the master password is stolen, all connected accounts will be at risk. This seems to be the case in theory, but by using SSO and common-sense procedures, we can lessen password theft. Customers are more likely to construct a stronger (harder to guess) passphrase and reduce risk by limiting bad password practices since they only need to remember one password for various applications.

3. **Integrates SSO with Risk-Based Authentication (RBA)**  
As was already noted, SSO provides your customer with a single “key” that allows them to sign in to various online pages, mobile apps, and third-party systems with a single identity. Combining SSO with risk-based authentication (RBA), which allows businesses and their security team to track consumer behavior, would increase security even further.  
In this manner, a company can request additional identity verification if it notices any strange customer activity, such as the use of an incorrect IP address or repeated login failures; if the customer fails at this stage, the company can ban or suspend their access to the account. Organizations may protect their websites and apps against assaults by utilizing this powerful combo. They can feel secure knowing that data thieves and IT hogs won’t take their information.

4. **Makes the consumer experience more efficient**  
Customers can enjoy a cutting-edge digital experience since SSO eliminates the need for multiple logins. Customer happiness, a boost in loyalty, and improved conversion rates are advantages for businesses.

 

### Conclusion {# Conclusion}
In this post, we discussed Web Single-Sign-ON capability and potential to increase company ROI. We discovered how it improves responsiveness, security, comfort, and efficiency for both customers and businesses. Web SSO is incredibly practical and popular.  

Get a Demo and Try miniOrange’s SSO Solution for Free.
Explore miniOrange’s modern IAM SSO solution and see if it helps out to streamline your Organizational process in addition to security. Create a miniOrange Free Account and get access to all features for free, for up to 30 Days with 24*7 free support to help you out with the setup.



A web SSO system allows a user to access many other web apps and password-protected websites with a single set of credentials for authentication.

Web SSO: What is it and How does it Work?


### Introduction {#introduction}

[Multi-factor authentication (MFA)](https://www.miniorange.com/products/multi-factor-authentication-mfa), also referred to as two-factor authentication (2FA), stands as an important method to verify a user's identity. It mandates the provision of more than one form of authentication, thus enhancing security. The primary objective of MFA is to fortify security by introducing additional layers of authentication, all while ensuring a balance between elevated protection and seamless user experience. MFA, or 2FA, has become the industry standard for safeguarding accounts, and for good reason. **The importance of MFA** can be understood more closely by the frequency of data breaches that expose vast quantities of usernames, passwords, and personal information. 

As per a research report by [Verizon](https://www.verizon.com/business/en-gb/resources/2022-data-breach-investigations-report-dbir.pdf) indicates that compromised credentials are involved in 82% of security breaches, thus highlighting the urgent need for businesses to adopt these fundamental security measures. If you've ever reused a password, multiple accounts could be vulnerable to unauthorized access following a single data breach. The importance of MFA is evident as it steps in to secure accounts, even when a password has been compromised.

### How Does MFA Work? {#how-does-mfa-work}

MFA mandates users to additional verification factor(s).
 
- **Common Factor** :OTPs: One of the most familiar MFA factors is the use of one-time passwords (OTPs).
- **OTP Description** :OTPs are typically 4-8 digit codes distributed via email, SMS, or mobile apps.
- **Dynamic Code Generation** : These codes are generated periodically or with each authentication request.
- **Seed Value** : The code generation process is based on a seed value assigned to the user during registration.
- **Additional Factor** : The code generation also depends on another factor, which could be a counter increment or a time-based value.

### Why MFA? {#why-mfa}

Cybercriminals have access to a staggering pool of billions of user credentials data, if they pick yours, thus posing a risk of exposing the company's confidential information. Therefore the importance of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), cannot be overlooked as it acts as a formidable deterrent against cyber criminals. By fortifying your data's defenses, MFA diminishes its attractiveness to potential thieves, making it more probable that they'll opt for an easier target.

As its name suggests, MFA integrates a combination of two or more distinct authentication factors. Typically, this involves something you know, such as your username and password, and adds an extra layer of security.
Let us now take a look at three main types of MFA Authentication Methods

**1. Something you know (knowledge), like a password/PIN**
- Answers to security questions
- Password/PIN

**2. Something you have (in your possession), like a token or smartphone**
- OTPs (through SMS or phone)
- OTPs (through smartphone apps)
- Badges with access codes, USB devices, Smart Cards, or  security keys
- Software tokens and certificates

**3. Something you are (inherence)**  
- Fingerprints, facial recognition, voice, or retina scan
- Analyses of behavioral patterns

### Benefits of Multi-Factor Authentication {#benefits-of-multi-factor-authentication}

Numerous organizations have adopted Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) in response to the current security climate and regulatory requirements. The prevalence of MFA is set to increase further, aligning with its user-friendly nature and the protection it affords, ultimately benefiting both employees and IT teams.

What drives the widespread adoption of MFA? Let's explore some of the essential advantages it offers.

**1. Protecting Against Identity Theft Through Stolen Passwords**

The landscape of password theft is constantly evolving, with attackers employing three primary methods:

- **Keylogging**: This method involves surreptitiously recording keystrokes on a keyboard.
- **Phishing**: Attackers use fraudulent emails, SMS messages, or phone calls to coax victims into revealing sensitive information.
- **Pharming**: Malicious code is installed on a device, redirecting users to fraudulent websites where they unwittingly share their sensitive data. Pharming is often described as "phishing without the lure," where the malicious email lure is absent.

These threats extend beyond individuals to encompass even large enterprises, which are entrusted with safeguarding our data. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) plays a pivotal role in ensuring the security of your organization, even in the aftermath of credential theft incidents affecting your employees' passwords.

**2. Offers easy implementation and seamless user experience**

In today's digital landscape, individuals grapple with the challenge of managing numerous, sensitive account credentials as they maintain numerous online accounts across various apps and websites. Unfortunately, the widespread practice of password reuse has become a major setback amplifying the risk of account compromise in the event of a single set of user credentials being exposed. 
Multi-factor Authentication (MFA), Its intuitive user experience ensures that it can be effortlessly adopted by consumers with minimal to no additional effort, rendering it a straightforward integration.

MFA addresses these concerns by bolstering security without imposing the complexities of frequent resets or intricate policies. Organizations can enhance user convenience by providing a variety of authentication factors to choose from or by mandating additional factors only when necessary.

With its streamlined implementation, ease of management, and compatibility with a wide range of applications, MFA not only fortifies security but also alleviates the strain on IT teams, enabling them to allocate their resources to more strategic initiatives.


**3. Ensuring User Identity Security**

In order to safeguard corporate and personal data privacy, a collaborative effort between consumers and businesses is essential. More and more organizations are bolstering security measures by implementing continuous, context-based security, throughout the entire login process to effectively authenticate employees and customers.

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) and [Single Sign-On (SSO)](https://www.miniorange.com/products/single-sign-on-sso) streamline user access without the burden of remembering multiple passwords, reducing the risk of account compromise. Individuals can protect their digital identities by staying informed about cybersecurity risks, adhering to best practices, and remaining alert against emerging threats. In an era where our daily lives heavily rely on the internet and digital accounts, awareness of identity management has never been more critical.

MFA enhances security without the need for frequent password resets or complex policies, benefiting both users and IT teams. Organizations can simplify the user experience by offering various authentication factors or requiring additional ones only when necessary.

With its user-friendly deployment, easy management, and compatibility across a range of applications, MFA liberates IT teams to focus on strategic priorities.

### Conclusion {#conclusion}

As the adoption of digitalization grows across organizations, cybersecurity assumes greater significance. In this context, MFA emerges as a crucial component, offering robust protection against malicious threats targeting a company's vital data. Given the scale at which hackers target corporate credentials, there's no more opportune moment for businesses to expedite their [MFA Solutions](https://www.miniorange.com/iam/solutions/multi-factor-authentication-mfa-solutions) deployment.

At miniOrange, security is an inherent feature provided to all our customers. Discover how adaptive Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) can align with your organization's needs today.
Start your 30-day free trial today [link](https://www.miniorange.com/businessfreetrial)


Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security to your system so hackers cannot access it.